Uniform Plane Waves - Rutgers University, Electrical ...orfanidi/ewa/ch02.pdf2 Uniform Plane Waves 2.1 Uniform Plane Waves in Lossless Media The simplest electromagnetic waves are

2Uniform Plane Waves

2.1 Uniform Plane Waves in Lossless Media

The simplest electromagnetic waves are uniform plane waves propagating along somefixed direction, say the z-direction, in a lossless medium {ε, μ}.

The assumption of uniformity means that the fields have no dependence on thetransverse coordinates x, y and are functions only of z, t. Thus, we look for solutionsof Maxwell’s equations of the form: E(x, y, z, t)= E(z, t) and H(x, y, z, t)= H(z, t).

Because there is no dependence on x, y, we set the partial derivatives† ∂x = 0 and∂y = 0. Then, the gradient, divergence, and curl operations take the simplified forms:

∇∇∇ = z∂∂z, ∇∇∇ · E = ∂Ez

∂z, ∇∇∇× E = z× ∂E

∂z= −x

∂Ey∂z

+ y∂Ex∂z

Assuming that D = εE and B = μH , the source-free Maxwell’s equations become:

∇∇∇× E = −μ ∂H

∂t

∇∇∇×H = ε ∂E

∂t

∇∇∇ · E = 0

∇∇∇ ·H = 0

⇒

z× ∂E

∂z= −μ ∂H

∂t

z× ∂H

∂z= ε ∂E

∂t∂Ez∂z

= 0

∂Hz∂z

= 0

(2.1.1)

An immediate consequence of uniformity is that E and H do not have componentsalong the z-direction, that is, Ez = Hz = 0. Taking the dot-product of Ampere’s lawwith the unit vector z, and using the identity z · (z× A)= 0, we have:

z ·(

z× ∂H

∂z

)= ε z · ∂E

∂t= 0 ⇒ ∂Ez

∂t= 0

†The shorthand notation ∂x stands for∂∂x

.

38 2. Uniform Plane Waves

Because also ∂zEz = 0, it follows that Ez must be a constant, independent of z, t.Excluding static solutions, we may take this constant to be zero. Similarly, we haveHz = 0. Thus, the fields have components only along the x, y directions:

E(z, t) = xEx(z, t)+yEy(z, t)

H(z, t) = xHx(z, t)+yHy(z, t)(transverse fields) (2.1.2)

These fields must satisfy Faraday’s and Ampere’s laws in Eqs. (2.1.1). We rewritethese equations in a more convenient form by replacing ε and μ by:

ε = 1

ηc, μ = η

c, where c = 1√με , η =

√με

(2.1.3)

Thus, c, η are the speed of light and characteristic impedance of the propagationmedium. Then, the first two of Eqs. (2.1.1) may be written in the equivalent forms:

z× ∂E

∂z= −1

cη∂H

∂t

η z× ∂H

∂z= 1

c∂E

∂t

(2.1.4)

The first may be solved for ∂zE by crossing it with z. Using the BAC-CAB rule, andnoting that E has no z-component, we have:(

z× ∂E

∂z

)× z = ∂E

∂z(z · z)−z

(z · ∂E

∂z

)= ∂E

∂zwhere we used z · ∂zE = ∂zEz = 0 and z · z = 1. It follows that Eqs. (2.1.4) may bereplaced by the equivalent system:

∂E

∂z= −1

c∂∂t(ηH× z)

∂∂z(ηH× z)= −1

c∂E

∂t

(2.1.5)

Now all the terms have the same dimension. Eqs. (2.1.5) imply that both E and Hsatisfy the one-dimensional wave equation. Indeed, differentiating the first equationwith respect to z and using the second, we have:

∂2E

∂z2= −1

c∂∂t

∂∂z(ηH× z)= 1

c2

∂2E

∂t2or,

(∂2

∂z2− 1

c2

∂2

∂t2

)E(z, t)= 0 (wave equation) (2.1.6)

and similarly for H. Rather than solving the wave equation, we prefer to work directlywith the coupled system (2.1.5). The system can be decoupled by introducing the so-called forward and backward electric fields defined as the linear combinations:

E+ = 1

2(E+ ηH× z)

E− = 1

2(E− ηH× z)

(forward and backward fields) (2.1.7)

2.1. Uniform Plane Waves in Lossless Media 39

Component-wise, these are:

Ex± = 1

2(Ex ± ηHy) , Ey± = 1

2(Ey ∓ ηHx) (2.1.8)

We show next that E+(z, t) corresponds to a forward-moving wave, that is, movingtowards the positive z-direction, and E−(z, t), to a backward-moving wave. Eqs. (2.1.7)can be inverted to express E,H in terms of E+,E−. Adding and subtracting them, andusing the BAC-CAB rule and the orthogonality conditions z · E± = 0, we obtain:

E(z, t) = E+(z, t)+E−(z, t)

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× [E+(z, t)−E−(z, t)

] (2.1.9)

In terms of the forward and backward fields E±, the system of Eqs. (2.1.5) decouplesinto two separate equations:

∂E+∂z

= −1

c∂E+∂t

∂E−∂z

= +1

c∂E−∂t

(2.1.10)

Indeed, using Eqs. (2.1.5), we verify:

∂∂z(E± ηH× z)= −1

c∂∂t(ηH× z)∓1

c∂E

∂t= ∓1

c∂∂t(E± ηH× z)

Eqs. (2.1.10) can be solved by noting that the forward field E+(z, t) must dependon z, t only through the combination z − ct (for a proof, see Problem 2.1.) If we setE+(z, t)= F(z − ct), where F(ζ) is an arbitrary function of its argument ζ = z − ct,then we will have:

∂E+∂z

= ∂∂z

F(z− ct)= ∂ζ∂z∂F(ζ)∂ζ

= ∂F(ζ)∂ζ

∂E+∂t

= ∂∂t

F(z− ct)= ∂ζ∂t∂F(ζ)∂ζ

= −c ∂F(ζ)∂ζ

⇒ ∂E+∂z

= −1

c∂E+∂t

Vectorially, F must have only x, y components, F = xFx + yFy, that is, it must betransverse to the propagation direction, z · F = 0.

Similarly, we find from the second of Eqs. (2.1.10) that E−(z, t) must depend on z, tthrough the combination z+ct, so that E−(z, t)= G(z+ct), where G(ξ) is an arbitrary(transverse) function of ξ = z + ct. In conclusion, the most general solutions for theforward and backward fields of Eqs. (2.1.10) are:

E+(z, t) = F(z− ct)E−(z, t) = G(z+ ct)

(2.1.11)

with arbitrary functions F and G, such that z · F = z ·G = 0.


Inserting these into the inverse formula (2.1.9), we obtain the most general solutionof (2.1.5), expressed as a linear combination of forward and backward waves:

E(z, t) = F(z− ct)+G(z+ ct)

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× [F(z− ct)−G(z+ ct)] (2.1.12)

The term E+(z, t)= F(z − ct) represents a wave propagating with speed c in thepositive z-direction, while E−(z, t)= G(z+ct) represents a wave traveling in the negativez-direction.

To see this, consider the forward field at a later time t+Δt. During the time intervalΔt, the wave moves in the positive z-direction by a distance Δz = cΔt. Indeed, we have:

E+(z, t +Δt) = F(z− c(t +Δt)) = F(z− cΔt − ct)

E+(z−Δz, t) = F((z−Δz)−ct) = F(z− cΔt − ct)

⇒ E+(z, t+Δt)= E+(z−Δz, t)

This states that the forward field at time t + Δt is the same as the field at time t,but translated to the right along the z-axis by a distance Δz = cΔt. Equivalently, thefield at location z+Δz at time t is the same as the field at location z at the earlier timet −Δt = t −Δz/c, that is,

E+(z+Δz, t)= E+(z, t −Δt)

Similarly, we find that E−(z, t+Δt)= E−(z+Δz, t), which states that the backwardfield at time t+Δt is the same as the field at time t, translated to the left by a distanceΔz. Fig. 2.1.1 depicts these two cases.

Fig. 2.1.1 Forward and backward waves.

The two special cases corresponding to forward waves only (G = 0), or to backwardones (F = 0), are of particular interest. For the forward case, we have:

E(z, t) = F(z− ct)

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× F(z− ct)= 1

ηz× E(z, t)

(2.1.13)

2.1. Uniform Plane Waves in Lossless Media 41

This solution has the following properties: (a) The field vectors E and H are perpen-dicular to each other, E · H = 0, while they are transverse to the z-direction, (b) Thethree vectors {E,H, z} form a right-handed vector system as shown in the figure, in thesense that E×H points in the direction of z, (c) The ratio of E to H× z is independentof z, t and equals the characteristic impedance η of the propagation medium; indeed:

H(z, t)= 1

ηz× E(z, t) ⇒ E(z, t)= ηH(z, t)×z (2.1.14)

The electromagnetic energy of such forward wave flows in the positive z-direction.With the help of the BAC-CAB rule, we find for the Poynting vector:

PPP = E×H = z1

η|F |2 = c z ε|F |2 (2.1.15)

where we denoted |F |2 = F·F and replaced 1/η = cε. The electric and magnetic energydensities (per unit volume) turn out to be equal to each other. Because z and F aremutually orthogonal, we have for the cross product |z× F | = |z||F | = |F |. Then,

we = 1

2ε |E |2 = 1

2ε|F |2

wm = 1

2μ |H |2 = 1

2μ

1

η2|z× F |2 = 1

2ε |F |2 = we

where we replaced μ/η2 = ε. Thus, the total energy density of the forward wave will be:

w = we +wm = 2we = ε|F |2 (2.1.16)

In accordance with the flux/density relationship of Eq. (1.6.2), the transport velocityof the electromagnetic energy is found to be:

v = PPPw= c z ε|F |2

ε|F |2 = c z

As expected, the energy of the forward-moving wave is being transported at a speedc along the positive z-direction. Similar results can be derived for the backward-movingsolution that has F = 0 and G �= 0. The fields are now:

E(z, t) = G(z+ ct)

H(z, t) = − 1

ηz×G(z+ ct)= − 1

ηz× E(z, t)

(2.1.17)

The Poynting vector becomes PPP = E × H = −c z ε|G |2 and points in the negativez-direction, that is, the propagation direction. The energy transport velocity is v = −c z.Now, the vectors {E,H,−z} form a right-handed system, as shown. The ratio of E to His still equal to η, provided we replace z with −z:

H(z, t)= 1

η(−z)×E(z, t) ⇒ E(z, t)= ηH(z, t)×(−z)


In the general case of Eq. (2.1.12), the E/H ratio does not remain constant. ThePoynting vector and energy density consist of a part due to the forward wave and a partdue to the backward one:

PPP = E×H = c z(ε|F |2 − ε|G |2)

w = 1

2ε|E |2 + 1

2μ|H |2 = ε|F |2 + ε|G |2

(2.1.18)

Example 2.1.1: A source located at z = 0 generates an electric field E(0, t)= xE0 u(t), whereu(t) is the unit-step function, and E0, a constant. The field is launched towards the positivez-direction. Determine expressions for E(z, t) and H(z, t).

Solution: For a forward-moving wave, we have E(z, t)= F(z − ct)= F(0 − c(t − z/c)), which

implies that E(z, t) is completely determined by E(z,0), or alternatively, by E(0, t):

E(z, t)= E(z− ct,0)= E(0, t − z/c)

Using this property, we find for the electric and magnetic fields:

E(z, t) = E(0, t − z/c)= xE0 u(t − z/c)

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× E(z, t)= y

E0

ηu(t − z/c)

Because of the unit-step, the non-zero values of the fields are restricted to t− z/c ≥ 0, or,z ≤ ct, that is, at time t the wavefront has propagated only up to position z = ct. Thefigure shows the expanding wavefronts at time t and t +Δt.

Example 2.1.2: Consider the following three examples of electric fields specified at t = 0, anddescribing forward or backward fields as indicated:

E(z,0)= xE0 cos(kz) (forward-moving)

E(z,0)= yE0 cos(kz) (backward-moving)

E(z,0)= xE1 cos(k1z)+yE2 cos(k2z) (forward-moving)

where k, k1, k2 are given wavenumbers (measured in units of radians/m.) Determine thecorresponding fields E(z, t) and H(z, t).

Solution: For the forward-moving cases, we replace z by z − ct, and for the backward-movingcase, by z+ ct. We find in the three cases:

E(z, t) = xE0 cos(k(z− ct)) = xE0 cos(ωt − kz)

E(z, t) = yE0 cos(k(z+ ct)) = yE0 cos(ωt + kz)

E(z, t) = xE1 cos(ω1t − k1z)+yE2 cos(ω2t − k2z)

where ω = kc, and ω1 = k1c, ω2 = k2c. The corresponding magnetic fields are:

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× E(z, t)= y

E0

ηcos(ωt − kz) (forward)

H(z, t) = − 1

ηz× E(z, t)= x

E0

ηcos(ωt + kz) (backward)

H(z, t) = 1

ηz× E(z, t)= y

E1

ηcos(ω1t − k1z)−x

E2

ηcos(ω2t − k2z)

2.2. Monochromatic Waves 43

The first two cases are single-frequency waves, and are discussed in more detail in thenext section. The third case is a linear superposition of two waves with two differentfrequencies and polarizations.

2.2 Monochromatic Waves

Uniform, single-frequency, plane waves propagating in a lossless medium are obtainedas a special case of the previous section by assuming the harmonic time-dependence:

E(x, y, z, t) = E(z)ejωt

H(x, y, z, t) = H(z)ejωt(2.2.1)

where E(z) and H(z) are transverse with respect to the z-direction.Maxwell’s equations (2.1.5), or those of the decoupled system (2.1.10), may be solved

very easily by replacing time derivatives by ∂t → jω. Then, Eqs. (2.1.10) become thefirst-order differential equations (see also Problem 2.3):

∂E±(z)∂z

= ∓jkE±(z) , where k = ωc=ω√με (2.2.2)

with solutions:E+(z) = E0+e−jkz (forward)

E−(z) = E0−ejkz (backward)(2.2.3)

where E0± are arbitrary (complex-valued) constant vectors such that z · E0± = 0. Thecorresponding magnetic fields are:

H+(z) = 1

ηz× E+(z)= 1

η(z× E0+)e−jkz = H0+e−jkz

H−(z) = − 1

ηz× E−(z)= − 1

η(z× E0−)ejkz = H0−ejkz

(2.2.4)

where we defined the constant amplitudes of the magnetic fields:

H0± = ± 1

ηz× E0± (2.2.5)

Inserting (2.2.3) into (2.1.9), we obtain the general solution for single-frequencywaves, expressed as a superposition of forward and backward components:

E(z) = E0+e−jkz + E0−ejkz

H(z) = 1

ηz × [E0+e−jkz − E0−ejkz

] (forward+backward waves) (2.2.6)

Setting E0± = xA±+yB±, and noting that z×E0± = z×(xA±+yB±)= yA±−xB±,we may rewrite (2.2.6) in terms of its cartesian components:

Ex(z)= A+e−jkz +A−ejkz , Ey(z)= B+e−jkz + B−ejkz

Hy(z)= 1

η[A+e−jkz −A−ejkz

], Hx(z)= − 1

η[B+e−jkz − B−ejkz

] (2.2.7)


Wavefronts are defined, in general, to be the surfaces of constant phase. A forwardmoving wave E(z)= E0e−jkz corresponds to the time-varying field:

E(z, t)= E0ejωt−jkz = E0e−jϕ(z,t) , where ϕ(z, t)= kz−ωt

A surface of constant phase is obtained by setting ϕ(z, t)= const. Denoting thisconstant by φ0 = kz0 and using the property c =ω/k, we obtain the condition:

ϕ(z, t)=ϕ0 ⇒ kz−ωt = kz0 ⇒ z = ct + z0

Thus, the wavefront is the xy-plane intersecting the z-axis at the point z = ct + z0,moving forward with velocity c. This justifies the term “plane wave.”

A backward-moving wave will have planar wavefronts parametrized by z = −ct+z0,that is, moving backwards. A wave that is a linear combination of forward and backwardcomponents, may be thought of as having two planar wavefronts, one moving forward,and the other backward.

The relationships (2.2.5) imply that the vectors {E0+,H0+, z} and {E0−,H0−,−z} willform right-handed orthogonal systems. The magnetic field H0± is perpendicular to theelectric field E0± and the cross-product E0± ×H0± points towards the direction of prop-agation, that is, ±z. Fig. 2.2.1 depicts the case of a forward propagating wave.

Fig. 2.2.1 Forward uniform plane wave.

The wavelength λ is the distance by which the phase of the sinusoidal wave changesby 2π radians. Since the propagation factor e−jkz accumulates a phase of k radians permeter, we have by definition that kλ = 2π. The wavelength λ can be expressed via thefrequency of the wave in Hertz, f =ω/2π, as follows:

λ = 2πk= 2πc

ω= cf

(2.2.8)

If the propagation medium is free space, we use the vacuum values of the parame-ters {ε, μ, c, η}, that is, {ε0, μ0, c0, η0}. The free-space wavelength and correspondingwavenumber are:

λ0 = 2πk0

= c0

f, k0 = ω

c0(2.2.9)

In a lossless but non-magnetic (μ = μ0) dielectric with refractive index n = √ε/ε0,

the speed of light c, wavelength λ, and characteristic impedance η are all reduced by a

2.2. Monochromatic Waves 45

scale factorn compared to the free-space values, whereas the wavenumber k is increasedby a factor of n. Indeed, using the definitions c = 1/√μ0ε and η = √μ0/ε, we have:

c = c0

n, η = η0

n, λ = λ0

n, k = nk0 (2.2.10)

Example 2.2.1: A microwave transmitter operating at the carrier frequency of 6 GHz is pro-tected by a Plexiglas radome whose permittivity is ε = 3ε0.

The refractive index of the radome is n = √ε/ε0 =√

3 = 1.73. The free-space wavelengthand the wavelength inside the radome material are:

λ0 = c0

f= 3× 108

6× 109= 0.05 m = 5 cm, λ = λ0

n= 5

1.73= 2.9 cm

We will see later that if the radome is to be transparent to the wave, its thickness must bechosen to be equal to one-half wavelength, l = λ/2. Thus, l = 2.9/2 = 1.45 cm.

Example 2.2.2: The nominal speed of light in vacuum is c0 = 3×108 m/s. Because of the rela-tionship c0 = λf , it may be expressed in the following suggestive units that are appropriatein different application contexts:

c0 = 5000 km × 60 Hz (power systems)300 m × 1 MHz (AM radio)

40 m × 7.5 MHz (amateur radio)3 m × 100 MHz (FM radio, TV)

30 cm × 1 GHz (cell phones)10 cm × 3 GHz (waveguides, radar)

3 cm × 10 GHz (radar, satellites)0.3 mm × 1 THz (biotech, security, spectroscopy)1.5 μm × 200 THz (optical fibers, THz applications)500 nm × 600 THz (visible spectrum)

100 nm × 3000 THz (UV)

Similarly, in terms of length/time of propagation:

c0 = 36 000 km/120 msec (geosynchronous satellites)300 km/msec (power lines)300 m/μsec (transmission lines)30 cm/nsec (circuit boards)300 μm/psec (nanocircuits)

The typical half-wave monopole antenna (half of a half-wave dipole over a ground plane)has length λ/4 and is used in many applications, such as AM, FM, and cell phones. Thus,one can predict that the lengths of AM radio, FM radio, and cell phone antennas will be ofthe order of 75 m, 0.75 m, and 7.5 cm, respectively.

A more detailed list of electromagnetic frequency bands is given in Appendix B. The precisevalue of c0 and the values of other physical constants are given in Appendix A.

Wave propagation effects become important, and cannot be ignored, whenever thephysical length of propagation is comparable to the wavelength λ. It follows from


Eqs. (2.2.2) that the incremental change of a forward-moving electric field in propagatingfrom z to z+Δz is: |ΔE+|

|E+| = kΔz = 2πΔzλ

(2.2.11)

Thus, the change in the electric field can be ignored only if Δz� λ, otherwise, propa-gation effects must be taken into account.

For example, for an integrated circuit operating at 10 GHz, we have λ = 3 cm, whichis comparable to the physical dimensions of the circuit.

Similarly, a cellular base station antenna is connected to the transmitter circuits byseveral meters of coaxial cable. For a 1-GHz system, the wavelength is 0.3 m, whichimplies that a 30-meter cable will be equivalent to 100 wavelengths.

2.3 Energy Density and Flux

The time-averaged energy density and flux of a uniform plane wave can be determinedby Eq. (1.9.6). As in the previous section, the energy is shared equally by the electricand magnetic fields (in the forward or backward cases.) This is a general result for mostwave propagation and waveguide problems.

The energy flux will be in the direction of propagation. For either a forward- or abackward-moving wave, we have from Eqs. (1.9.6) and (2.2.5):

we = 1

2Re[

1

2εE±(z)·E∗± (z)

]= 1

2Re[

1

2εE0±e−jkz · E∗0±ejkz

]= 1

4ε|E0±|2

wm = 1

2Re[

1

2μH±(z)·H∗± (z)

]= 1

4μ|H0±|2 = 1

4μ

1

η2|z× E0±|2 = 1

4ε|E0±|2 = we

Thus, the electric and magnetic energy densities are equal and the total density is:

w = we +wm = 2we = 1

2ε|E0±|2 (2.3.1)

For the time-averaged Poynting vector, we have similarly:

PPP = 1

2Re[

E±(z)×H∗± (z)] = 1

2ηRe[

E0± × (±z× E∗0±)]

Using the BAC-CAB rule and the orthogonality property z · E0± = 0, we find:

PPP = ±z1

2η|E0±|2 = ±c z

1

2ε|E0±|2 (2.3.2)

Thus, the energy flux is in the direction of propagation, that is, ±z. The correspond-ing energy velocity is, as in the previous section:

v = PPPw= ±c z (2.3.3)

In the more general case of forward and backward waves, we find:

w = 1

4Re[εE(z)·E∗(z)+μH(z)·H∗(z)

] = 1

2ε|E0+|2 + 1

2ε|E0−|2

PPP = 1

2Re[E(z)×H∗(z)

] = z

(1

2η|E0+|2 − 1

2η|E0−|2

) (2.3.4)

2.4. Wave Impedance 47

Thus, the total energy is the sum of the energies of the forward and backward com-ponents, whereas the net energy flux (to the right) is the difference between the forwardand backward fluxes.

2.4 Wave Impedance

For forward or backward fields, the ratio of E(z) to H(z)×z is constant and equal tothe characteristic impedance of the medium. Indeed, it follows from Eq. (2.2.4) that

E±(z)= ±ηH±(z)×z

However, this property is not true for the more general solution given by Eqs. (2.2.6).In general, the ratio of E(z) to H(z)×z is called the wave impedance. Because of thevectorial character of the fields, we must define the ratio in terms of the correspondingx- and y-components:

Zx(z) =[E(z)

]x[

H(z)×z]x= Ex(z)Hy(z)

Zy(z) =[E(z)

]y[

H(z)×z]y= − Ey(z)

Hx(z)

(wave impedances) (2.4.1)

Using the cartesian expressions of Eq. (2.2.7), we find:

Zx(z) = Ex(z)Hy(z)

= η A+e−jkz +A−ejkz

A+e−jkz −A−ejkz

Zy(z) = − Ey(z)Hx(z)= η B+e

−jkz + B−ejkzB+e−jkz − B−ejkz

(wave impedances) (2.4.2)

Thus, the wave impedances are nontrivial functions of z. For forward waves (that is,with A− = B− = 0), we have Zx(z)= Zy(z)= η. For backward waves (A+ = B+ = 0), wehave Zx(z)= Zy(z)= −η.

The wave impedance is a very useful concept in the subject of multiple dielectricinterfaces and the matching of transmission lines. We will explore its use later on.

2.5 Polarization

Consider a forward-moving wave and let E0 = xA+ + yB+ be its complex-valued pha-sor amplitude, so that E(z)= E0e−jkz = (xA+ + yB+)e−jkz. The time-varying field isobtained by restoring the factor ejωt:

E(z, t)= (xA+ + yB+)ejωt−jkz

The polarization of a plane wave is defined to be the direction of the electric field.For example, if B+ = 0, the E-field is along the x-direction and the wave will be linearlypolarized.


More precisely, polarization is the direction of the time-varying real-valued fieldEEE(z, t)= Re

[E(z, t)]. At any fixed point z, the vector EEE(z, t) may be along a fixed

linear direction or it may be rotating as a function of t, tracing a circle or an ellipse.The polarization properties of the plane wave are determined by the relative magni-

tudes and phases of the complex-valued constants A+, B+. Writing them in their polarforms A+ = Aejφa and B+ = Bejφb , where A,B are positive magnitudes, we obtain:

E(z, t)= (xAejφa + yBejφb)ejωt−jkz = xAej(ωt−kz+φa) + yBej(ωt−kz+φb) (2.5.1)

Extracting real parts and setting EEE(z, t)= Re[E(z, t)

] = xEx(z, t)+yEy(z, t), wefind the corresponding real-valued x, y components:

Ex(z, t) = A cos(ωt − kz+φa)Ey(z, t) = B cos(ωt − kz+φb)

(2.5.2)

For a backward moving field, we replace k by −k in the same expression. To deter-mine the polarization of the wave, we consider the time-dependence of these fields atsome fixed point along the z-axis, say at z = 0:

Ex(t) = A cos(ωt +φa)Ey(t) = B cos(ωt +φb)

(2.5.3)

The electric field vector EEE(t)= xEx(t)+yEy(t) will be rotating on the xy-planewith angular frequency ω, with its tip tracing, in general, an ellipse. To see this, weexpand Eq. (2.5.3) using a trigonometric identity:

Ex(t) = A[cosωt cosφa − sinωt sinφa

]Ey(t) = B

[cosωt cosφb − sinωt sinφb

]Solving for cosωt and sinωt in terms of Ex(t),Ey(t), we find:

cosωt sinφ = Ey(t)B

sinφa − Ex(t)Asinφb

sinωt sinφ = Ey(t)B

cosφa − Ex(t)Acosφb

where we defined the relative phase angle φ = φa −φb.Forming the sum of the squares of the two equations and using the trigonometric

identity sin2ωt + cos2ωt = 1, we obtain a quadratic equation for the components Exand Ey, which describes an ellipse on the Ex,Ey plane:

(Ey(t)B

sinφa − Ex(t)Asinφb

)2

+(Ey(t)

Bcosφa − Ex(t)A

cosφb)2

= sin2φ

This simplifies into:

E2x

A2+ E

2y

B2− 2 cosφ

ExEyAB

= sin2φ (polarization ellipse) (2.5.4)

2.5. Polarization 49

Depending on the values of the three quantities {A,B,φ} this polarization ellipsemay be an ellipse, a circle, or a straight line. The electric field is accordingly calledelliptically, circularly, or linearly polarized.

To get linear polarization, we set φ = 0 or φ = π, corresponding to φa = φb = 0,orφa = 0,φb = −π, so that the phasor amplitudes are E0 = xA± yB. Then, Eq. (2.5.4)degenerates into:

E2x

A2+ E

2y

B2∓ 2

ExEyAB

= 0 ⇒(ExA

∓ EyB

)2

= 0

representing the straight lines:

Ey = ±BA Ex

The fields (2.5.2) take the forms, in the two cases φ = 0 and φ = π:

Ex(t)= A cosωtEy(t)= B cosωt and

Ex(t)= A cosωtEy(t)= B cos(ωt −π)= −B cosωt

To get circular polarization, we set A = B and φ = ±π/2. In this case, the polariza-tion ellipse becomes the equation of a circle:

E2x

A2+ E

2y

A2= 1

The sense of rotation, in conjunction with the direction of propagation, defines left-circular versus right-circular polarization. For the case, φa = 0 and φb = −π/2, wehave φ = φa −φb = π/2 and complex amplitude E0 = A(x− jy). Then,

Ex(t) = A cosωt

Ey(t) = A cos(ωt −π/2)= A sinωt

Thus, the tip of the electric field vector rotates counterclockwise on the xy-plane.To decide whether this represents right or left circular polarization, we use the IEEEconvention [115], which is as follows.

Curl the fingers of your left and right hands into a fist and point both thumbs towardsthe direction of propagation. If the fingers of your right (left) hand are curling in thedirection of rotation of the electric field, then the polarization is right (left) polarized.†

Thus, in the present example, because we had a forward-moving field and the field isturning counterclockwise, the polarization will be right-circular. If the field were moving

†Most engineering texts use the IEEE convention and most physics texts, the opposite convention.


backwards, then it would be left-circular. For the case, φ = −π/2, arising from φa = 0andφb = π/2, we have complex amplitude E0 = A(x+ jy). Then, Eq. (2.5.3) becomes:

Ex(t) = A cosωt

Ey(t) = A cos(ωt +π/2)= −A sinωt

The tip of the electric field vector rotates clockwise on the xy-plane. Since the waveis moving forward, this will represent left-circular polarization. Fig. 2.5.1 depicts thefour cases of left/right polarization with forward/backward waves.

Fig. 2.5.1 Left and right circular polarizations.

To summarize, the electric field of a circularly polarized uniform plane wave will be,in its phasor form:

E(z)= A(x− jy)e−jkz (right-polarized, forward-moving)

E(z)= A(x+ jy)e−jkz (left-polarized, forward-moving)

E(z)= A(x− jy)ejkz (left-polarized, backward-moving)

E(z)= A(x+ jy)ejkz (right-polarized, backward-moving)

If A �= B, but the phase difference is still φ = ±π/2, we get an ellipse with majorand minor axes oriented along the x, y directions. Eq. (2.5.4) will be now:

E2x

A2+ E

2y

B2= 1


Finally, if A �= B and φ is arbitrary, then the major/minor axes of the ellipse (2.5.4)will be rotated relative to the x, y directions. Fig. 2.5.2 illustrates the general case.

Fig. 2.5.2 General polarization ellipse.

It can be shown (see Problem 2.15) that the tilt angle θ is given by:

tan 2θ = 2ABA2 − B2

cosφ (2.5.5)

The ellipse semi-axes A′, B′, that is, the lengths OC and OD, are given by:

A′ =√

1

2(A2 + B2)+ s

2

√(A2 − B2)2+4A2B2 cos2φ

B′ =√

1

2(A2 + B2)− s

2

√(A2 − B2)2+4A2B2 cos2φ

(2.5.6)

where s = sign(A − B). These results are obtained by defining the rotated coordinatesystem of the ellipse axes:

E′x = Ex cosθ+Ey sinθ

E′y = Ey cosθ−Ex sinθ(2.5.7)

and showing that Eq. (2.5.4) transforms into the standardized form:

E′2xA′2

+ E′2y

B′2= 1 (2.5.8)

The polarization ellipse is bounded by the rectangle with sides at the end-points±A,±B, as shown in the figure. To decide whether the elliptic polarization is left- orright-handed, we may use the same rules depicted in Fig. 2.5.1.

The angle χ subtended by the major to minor ellipse axes shown in Fig. 2.5.2 is givenas follows and is discussed further in Problem 2.15:

sin 2χ = 2ABA2 + B2

| sinφ| , −π4≤ χ ≤ π

4(2.5.9)

that is, it can be shown that tanχ = B′/A′ or A′/B′, whichever is less than one.


Example 2.5.1: Determine the real-valued electric and magnetic field components and the po-larization of the following fields specified in their phasor form (given in units of V/m):

a. E(z)= −3j xe−jkz

b. E(z)= (3 x+ 4 y)e+jkz

c. E(z)= (−4 x+ 3 y)e−jkz

d. E(z)= (3ejπ/3 x+ 3 y)e+jkz

e. E(z)= (4 x+ 3e−jπ/4 y)e−jkz

f. E(z)= (3e−jπ/8 x+ 4ejπ/8 y)e+jkz

g. E(z)= (4ejπ/4 x+ 3e−jπ/2 y)e−jkz

h. E(z)= (3e−jπ/2 x+ 4ejπ/4 y)e+jkz

Solution: Restoring the ejωt factor and taking real-parts, we find the x, y electric field compo-nents, according to Eq. (2.5.2):

a. Ex(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt − kz−π/2), Ey(z, t)= 0

b. Ex(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt + kz), Ey(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt + kz)c. Ex(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt − kz+π), Ey(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt − kz)d. Ex(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt + kz+π/3), Ey(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt + kz)e. Ex(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt − kz), Ey(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt − kz−π/4)f. Ex(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt + kz−π/8), Ey(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt + kz+π/8)g. Ex(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt − kz+π/4), Ey(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt − kz−π/2)h. Ex(z, t)= 3 cos(ωt + kz−π/2), Ey(z, t)= 4 cos(ωt + kz+π/4)

Since these are either forward or backward waves, the corresponding magnetic fields areobtained by using the formulaHHH(z, t)= ± z×EEE(z, t)/η. This gives the x, y components:

(cases a, c, e, g): Hx(z, t)= − 1

ηEy(z, t), Hy(z, t)= 1

ηEx(z, t)

(cases b, d, f, h): Hx(z, t)= 1

ηEy(z, t), Hy(z, t)= − 1

ηEx(z, t)

To determine the polarization vectors, we evaluate the electric fields at z = 0:

a. Ex(t)= 3 cos(ωt −π/2), Ey(t)= 0

b. Ex(t)= 3 cos(ωt), Ey(t)= 4 cos(ωt)c. Ex(t)= 4 cos(ωt +π), Ey(t)= 3 cos(ωt)d. Ex(t)= 3 cos(ωt +π/3), Ey(t)= 3 cos(ωt)e. Ex(t)= 4 cos(ωt), Ey(t)= 3 cos(ωt −π/4)f. Ex(t)= 3 cos(ωt −π/8), Ey(t)= 4 cos(ωt +π/8)g. Ex(t)= 4 cos(ωt +π/4), Ey(t)= 3 cos(ωt −π/2)h. Ex(t)= 3 cos(ωt −π/2), Ey(t)= 4 cos(ωt +π/4)

The polarization ellipse parameters A, B, and φ = φa − φb, as well as the computedsemi-major axes A′, B′, tilt angle θ, sense of rotation of the electric field, and polarization


type are given below:

case A B φ A′ B′ θ rotation polarization

a. 3 0 −90o 3 0 0o → linear/forward

b. 3 4 0o 0 5 −36.87o ↗ linear/backward

c. 4 3 180o 5 0 −36.87o ↖ linear/forward

d. 3 3 60o 3.674 2.121 45o � left/backward

e. 4 3 45o 4.656 1.822 33.79o � right/forward

f. 3 4 −45o 1.822 4.656 −33.79o � right/backward

g. 4 3 135o 4.656 1.822 −33.79o � right/forward

h. 3 4 −135o 1.822 4.656 33.79o � right/backward

In the linear case (b), the polarization ellipse collapses along its A′-axis (A′ = 0) andbecomes a straight line along its B′-axis. The tilt angle θ still measures the angle of theA′-axis from the x-axis. The actual direction of the electric field will be 90o−36.87o = 53.13o,which is equal to the slope angle, atan(B/A)= atan(4/3)= 53.13o.

In case (c), the ellipse collapses along its B′-axis. Therefore, θ coincides with the angle ofthe slope of the electric field vector, that is, atan(−B/A)= atan(−3/4)= −36.87o.

With the understanding that θ always represents the slope of the A′-axis (whethercollapsed or not, major or minor), Eqs. (2.5.5) and (2.5.6) correctly calculate all the specialcases, except when A = B, which has tilt angle and semi-axes:

θ = 45o , A′ = A√

1+ cosφ, B′ = A√

1− cosφ (2.5.10)

The MATLAB function ellipse.m calculates the ellipse semi-axes and tilt angle, A′,B′, θ, given the parameters A, B, φ. It has usage:

[a,b,th] = ellipse(A,B,phi) % polarization ellipse parameters

For example, the function will return the values of the A′, B′, θ columns of the pre-vious example, if it is called with the inputs:

A = [3, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3, 4, 3]’;B = [0, 4, 3, 3, 3, 4, 3, 4]’;phi = [-90, 0, 180, 60, 45, -45, 135, -135]’;

To determine quickly the sense of rotation around the polarization ellipse, we usethe rule that the rotation will be counterclockwise if the phase difference φ = φa −φbis such that sinφ > 0, and clockwise, if sinφ < 0. This can be seen by considering theelectric field at time t = 0 and at a neighboring time t. Using Eq. (2.5.3), we have:

EEE(0) = xA cosφa + yB cosφb

EEE(t) = xA cos(ωt +φa)+yB cos(ωt +φb)

The sense of rotation may be determined from the cross-product EEE(0)×EEE(t). Ifthe rotation is counterclockwise, this vector will point towards the positive z-direction,and otherwise, it will point towards the negative z-direction. It follows easily that:

EEE(0)×EEE(t)= zAB sinφ sinωt (2.5.11)


Thus, for t small and positive (such that sinωt > 0), the direction of the vectorEEE(0)×EEE(t) is determined by the sign of sinφ.

2.6 Uniform Plane Waves in Lossy Media

We saw in Sec. 1.14 that power losses may arise because of conduction and/or materialpolarization. A wave propagating in a lossy medium will set up a conduction currentJcond = σE and a displacement (polarization) current Jdisp = jωD = jωεdE . Bothcurrents will cause ohmic losses. The total current is the sum:

Jtot = Jcond + Jdisp = (σ + jωεd)E = jωεcE

where εc is the effective complex dielectric constant introduced in Eq. (1.14.2):

jωεc = σ + jωεd ⇒ εc = εd − j σω (2.6.1)

The quantitiesσ, εd may be complex-valued and frequency-dependent. However, wewill assume that over the desired frequency band of interest, the conductivity σ is real-valued; the permittivity of the dielectric may be assumed to be complex, εd = ε′d − jε′′d .Thus, the effective εc has real and imaginary parts:

εc = ε′ − jε′′ = ε′d − j(ε′′d +

σω

)(2.6.2)

Power losses arise from the non-zero imaginary part ε′′. We recall from Eq. (1.14.5)that the time-averaged ohmic power losses per unit volume are given by:

dPloss

dV= 1

2Re[Jtot · E∗

] = 1

2ωε′′

∣∣E∣∣2 = 1

2(σ +ωε′′d )

∣∣E∣∣2

(2.6.3)

Uniform plane waves propagating in such lossy medium will satisfy Maxwell’s equa-tions (1.9.2), with the right-hand side of Ampere’s law given by Jtot = J+ jωD = jωεcE .

The assumption of uniformity (∂x = ∂y = 0), will imply again that the fields E,H aretransverse to the direction z. Then, Faraday’s and Ampere’s equations become:

∇∇∇× E = −jωμH

∇∇∇×H = jωεcE⇒

z× ∂zE = −jωμH

z× ∂zH = jωεcE(2.6.4)

These may be written in a more convenient form by introducing the complex wave-number kc and complex characteristic impedance ηc defined by:

kc =ω√μεc , ηc =

√μεc

(2.6.5)

They correspond to the usual definitions k = ω/c = ω√με and η = √

μ/ε withthe replacement ε → εc. Noting that ωμ = kcηc and ωεc = kc/ηc, Eqs. (2.6.4) may

2.6. Uniform Plane Waves in Lossy Media 55

be written in the following form (using the orthogonality property z · E = 0 and theBAC-CAB rule on the first equation):

∂∂z

[E

ηcH× z

]=[

0 −jkc−jkc 0

][E

ηcH× z

](2.6.6)

To decouple them, we introduce the forward and backward electric fields:

E+ = 1

2

(E+ ηcH× z)

�E = E+ + E−

E− = 1

2

(E− ηcH× z) H = 1

ηcz× [E+ − E−

] (2.6.7)

Then, Eqs. (2.6.6) may be replaced by the equivalent system:

∂∂z

[E+E−

]=[−jkc 0

0 jkc

][E+E−

](2.6.8)

with solutions:E±(z)= E0±e∓jkcz , where z · E0± = 0 (2.6.9)

Thus, the propagating electric and magnetic fields are linear combinations of forwardand backward components:

E(z) = E0+e−jkcz + E0−ejkcz

H(z) = 1

ηcz× [E0+e−jkcz − E0−ejkcz

] (2.6.10)

In particular, for a forward-moving wave we have:

E(z)= E0e−jkcz , H(z)= H0e−jkcz , with z · E0 = 0 , H0 = 1

ηcz× E0 (2.6.11)

Eqs. (2.6.10) are the same as in the lossless case but with the replacements k → kcand η→ ηc. The lossless case is obtained in the limit of a purely real-valued εc.

Because kc is complex-valued, we define the phase and attenuation constants β andα as the real and imaginary parts of kc, that is,

kc = β− jα =ω√μ(ε′ − jε′′) (2.6.12)

We may also define a complex refractive index nc = kc/k0 that measures kc relativeto its free-space value k0 =ω/c0 =ω√μ0ε0. For a non-magnetic medium, we have:

nc = kck0=√εcε0=√ε′ − jε′′ε0

≡ nr − jni (2.6.13)

where nr, ni are the real and imaginary parts of nc. The quantity ni is called the ex-tinction coefficient and nr , the refractive index. Another commonly used notation is thepropagation constant γ defined by:

γ = jkc = α+ jβ (2.6.14)


It follows from γ = α + jβ = jkc = jk0nc = jk0(nr − jni) that β = k0nr andα = k0ni. The nomenclature about phase and attenuation constants has its origins inthe propagation factor e−jkcz. We can write it in the alternative forms:

e−jkcz = e−γz = e−αze−jβz = e−k0nize−jk0nrz (2.6.15)

Thus, the wave amplitudes attenuate exponentially with the factor e−αz, and oscillatewith the phase factor e−jβz. The energy of the wave attenuates by the factor e−2αz, ascan be seen by computing the Poynting vector. Because e−jkcz is no longer a pure phasefactor and ηc is not real, we have for the forward-moving wave of Eq. (2.6.11):

PPP(z) = 1

2Re[

E(z)×H∗(z)] = 1

2Re

[1

η∗cE0 × (z× E∗0 )e−(α+jβ)ze−(α−jβ)z

]

= z1

2Re(η−1c) |E0|2e−2αz = zP(0)e−2αz = zP(z)

Thus, the power per unit area flowing past the point z in the forward z-direction will be:

P(z)= P(0)e−2αz (2.6.16)

The quantityP(0) is the power per unit area flowing past the point z = 0. Denotingthe real and imaginary parts of ηc by η′, η′′, so that, ηc = η′ + jη′′, and noting that|E0| = |ηcH0 × z| = |ηc||H0|, we may express P(0) in the equivalent forms:

P(0)= 1

2Re(η−1c) |E0|2 = 1

2η′ |H0|2 (2.6.17)

The attenuation coefficient α is measured in nepers per meter. However, a morepractical way of expressing the power attenuation is in dB per meter. Taking logs ofEq. (2.6.16), we have for the dB attenuation at z, relative to z = 0:

AdB(z)= −10 log10

[P(z)P(0)

]= 20 log10(e)αz = 8.686αz (2.6.18)

where we used the numerical value 20 log10 e = 8.686. Thus, the quantityαdB = 8.686αis the attenuation in dB per meter :

αdB = 8.686α (dB/m) (2.6.19)

Another way of expressing the power attenuation is by means of the so-called pen-etration or skin depth defined as the inverse of α:

δ = 1

α(skin depth) (2.6.20)

Then, Eq. (2.6.18) can be rewritten in the form:

AdB(z)= 8.686zδ

(attenuation in dB) (2.6.21)


This gives rise to the so-called “9-dB per delta” rule, that is, every time z is increasedby a distance δ, the attenuation increases by 8.686 � 9 dB.

A useful way to represent Eq. (2.6.16) in practice is to consider its infinitesimal ver-sion obtained by differentiating it with respect to z and solving for α :

P′(z)= −2αP(0)e−2αz = −2αP(z) ⇒ α = −P′(z)

2P(z)The quantity P′

loss = −P′ represents the power lost from the wave per unit length(in the propagation direction.) Thus, the attenuation coefficient is the ratio of the powerloss per unit length to twice the power transmitted:

α = P′loss

2Ptransm(attenuation coefficient) (2.6.22)

If there are several physical mechanisms for the power loss, then α becomes thesum over all possible cases. For example, in a waveguide or a coaxial cable filled with aslightly lossy dielectric, power will be lost because of the small conduction/polarizationcurrents set up within the dielectric and also because of the ohmic losses in the wallsof the guiding conductors, so that the total α will be α = αdiel +αwalls.

Next, we verify that the exponential loss of power from the propagating wave is dueto ohmic heat losses. In Fig. 2.6.1, we consider a volume dV = l dA of area dA andlength l along the z-direction.

Fig. 2.6.1 Power flow in lossy dielectric.

From the definition of P(z) as power flow per unit area, it follows that the powerentering the area dA at z = 0 will be dPin = P(0)dA, and the power leaving that areaat z = l, dPout = P(l)dA. The difference dPloss = dPin−dPout =

[P(0)−P(l)]dA willbe the power lost from the wave within the volume l dA. Because P(l)= P(0)e−2αl, wehave for the power loss per unit area:

dPloss

dA= P(0)−P(l)= P(0)(1− e−2αl) = 1

2Re(η−1c) |E0|2

(1− e−2αl) (2.6.23)


On the other hand, according to Eq. (2.6.3), the ohmic power loss per unit volumewill be ωε′′|E(z)|2/2. Integrating this quantity from z = 0 to z = l will give the totalohmic losses within the volume l dA of Fig. 2.6.1. Thus, we have:

dPohmic = 1

2ωε′′

∫ l0|E(z)|2 dzdA = 1

2ωε′′

[∫ l0|E0|2e−2αz dz

]dA , or,

dPohmic

dA= ωε′′

4α|E0|2

(1− e−2αl) (2.6.24)

Are the two expressions in Eqs. (2.6.23) and (2.6.24) equal? The answer is yes, asfollows from the following relationship among the quantities ηc, ε′′,α (see Problem2.17):

Re(η−1c) = ωε′′

2α(2.6.25)

Thus, the power lost from the wave is entirely accounted for by the ohmic losseswithin the propagation medium. The equality of (2.6.23) and (2.6.24) is an example ofthe more general relationship proved in Problem 1.5.

In the limit l→∞, we have P(l)→ 0, so that dPohmic/dA = P(0), which states thatall the power that enters at z = 0 will be dissipated into heat inside the semi-infinitemedium. Using Eq. (2.6.17), we summarize this case:

dPohmic

dA= 1

2Re(η−1c) |E0|2 = 1

2η′ |H0|2 (ohmic losses) (2.6.26)

This result will be used later on to calculate ohmic losses of waves incident on lossydielectric or conductor surfaces, as well as conductor losses in waveguide and transmis-sion line problems.

Example 2.6.1: The absorption coefficient α of water reaches a minimum over the visiblespectrum—a fact undoubtedly responsible for why the visible spectrum is visible.

Recent measurements [145] of the absorption coefficient show that it starts at about 0.01nepers/m at 380 nm (violet), decreases to a minimum value of 0.0044 nepers/m at 418nm (blue), and then increases steadily reaching the value of 0.5 nepers/m at 600 nm (red).Determine the penetration depth δ in meters, for each of the three wavelengths.

Determine the depth in meters at which the light intensity has decreased to 1/10th itsvalue at the surface of the water. Repeat, if the intensity is decreased to 1/100th its value.

Solution: The penetration depths δ = 1/α are:

δ = 100, 227.3, 2 m for α = 0.01, 0.0044, 0.5 nepers/m

Using Eq. (2.6.21), we may solve for the depth z = (A/8.686)δ. Since a decrease of the lightintensity (power) by a factor of 10 is equivalent to A = 10 dB, we find z = (10/8.686)δ =1.128δ, which gives: z = 112.8, 256.3, 2.3 m. A decrease by a factor of 100 = 1020/10

corresponds to A = 20 dB, effectively doubling the above depths.


Example 2.6.2: A microwave oven operating at 2.45 GHz is used to defrost a frozen food havingcomplex permittivity εc = (4− j)ε0 farad/m. Determine the strength of the electric fieldat a depth of 1 cm and express it in dB and as a percentage of its value at the surface.Repeat if εc = (45− 15j)ε0 farad/m.

Solution: The free-space wavenumber is k0 =ω√μ0ε0 = 2πf/c0 = 2π(2.45×109)/(3×108)=51.31 rad/m. Using kc =ω√μ0εc = k0

√εc/ε0, we calculate the wavenumbers:

kc = β− jα = 51.31√

4− j = 51.31(2.02− 0.25j)= 103.41− 12.73j m−1

kc = β− jα = 51.31√

45− 15j = 51.31(6.80− 1.10j)= 348.84− 56.61j m−1

The corresponding attenuation constants and penetration depths are:

α = 12.73 nepers/m, δ = 7.86 cmα = 56.61 nepers/m, δ = 1.77 cm

It follows that the attenuations at 1 cm will be in dB and in absolute units:

A = 8.686z/δ = 1.1 dB, 10−A/20 = 0.88A = 8.686z/δ = 4.9 dB, 10−A/20 = 0.57

Thus, the fields at a depth of 1 cm are 88% and 57% of their values at the surface. Thecomplex permittivities of some foods may be found in [146].

A convenient way to characterize the degree of ohmic losses is by means of the losstangent, originally defined in Eq. (1.14.8). Here, we set:

τ = tanθ = ε′′

ε′= σ +ωε′′d

ωε′d(2.6.27)

Then, εc = ε′ − jε′′ = ε′(1− jτ)= ε′d(1− jτ). Therefore, kc, ηc may be written as:

kc =ω√με′d (1− jτ)1/2 , ηc =

√με′d(1− jτ)−1/2 (2.6.28)

The quantities cd = 1/√με′d and ηd =

√μ/ε′d would be the speed of light and

characteristic impedance of an equivalent lossless dielectric with permittivity ε′d.In terms of the loss tangent, we may characterize weakly lossy media versus strongly

lossy ones by the conditionsτ� 1 versusτ� 1, respectively. These conditions dependon the operating frequency ω :

σ +ωε′′dωε′d

� 1 versusσ +ωε′′dωε′d

� 1

The expressions (2.6.28) may be simplified considerably in these two limits. Usingthe small-x Taylor series expansion (1+x)1/2� 1+x/2, we find in the weakly lossy case(1− jτ)1/2� 1− jτ/2, and similarly, (1− jτ)−1/2� 1+ jτ/2.

On the other hand, ifτ� 1, we may approximate (1−jτ)1/2� (−jτ)1/2= e−jπ/4τ1/2,where we wrote (−j)1/2= (e−jπ/2)1/2= e−jπ/4. Similarly, (1 − jτ)−1/2� ejπ/4τ−1/2.Thus, we summarize the two limits:


(1− jτ)1/2 =⎧⎪⎨⎪⎩

1− jτ2, if τ� 1

e−jπ/4 τ1/2 = (1− j)√τ

2, if τ� 1

(2.6.29)

(1− jτ)−1/2=

⎧⎪⎪⎨⎪⎪⎩

1+ jτ2, if τ� 1

ejπ/4 τ−1/2 = (1+ j)√

1

2τ, if τ� 1

(2.6.30)

2.7 Propagation in Weakly Lossy Dielectrics

In the weakly lossy case, the propagation parameters kc, ηc become:

kc = β− jα =ω√με′d

(1− jτ

2

)=ω

√με′d

(1− jσ +ωε

′′d

2ωε′d

)

ηc = η′ + jη′′ =√με′d

(1+ jτ

2

)=√με′d

(1+ jσ +ωε

′′d

2ωε′d

) (2.7.1)

Thus, the phase and attenuation constants are:

β =ω√με′d =

ωcd, α = 1

2

√με′d(σ +ωε′′d )=

1

2ηd(σ +ωε′′d ) (2.7.2)

For a slightly conducting dielectric with ε′′d = 0 and a small conductivityσ , Eq. (2.7.2)implies that the attenuation coefficient α is frequency-independent in this limit.

Example 2.7.1: Seawater has σ = 4 Siemens/m and εd = 81ε0 (so that ε′d = 81ε0, ε′′d = 0.)Then, nd =

√εd/ε0 = 9, and cd = c0/nd = 0.33× 108 m/sec and ηd = η0/nd = 377/9 =

41.89 Ω. The attenuation coefficient (2.7.2) will be:

α = 1

2ηdσ = 1

241.89× 4 = 83.78 nepers/m ⇒ αdB = 8.686α = 728 dB/m

The corresponding skin depth is δ = 1/α = 1.19 cm. This result assumes that σ�ωεd,which can be written in the form ω� σ/εd, or f � f0, where f0 = σ/(2πεd). Here, wehave f0 = 888 MHz. For frequencies f � f0, we must use the exact equations (2.6.28). Forexample, we find:

f = 1 kHz, αdB = 1.09 dB/m, δ = 7.96 mf = 1 MHz, αdB = 34.49 dB/m, δ = 25.18 cmf = 1 GHz, αdB = 672.69 dB/m, δ = 1.29 cm

Such extremely large attenuations explain why communication with submarines is impos-sible at high RF frequencies.

2.8. Propagation in Good Conductors 61

2.8 Propagation in Good Conductors

A conductor is characterized by a large value of its conductivity σ, while its dielectricconstant may be assumed to be real-valued εd = ε (typically equal to ε0.) Thus, itscomplex permittivity and loss tangent will be:

εc = ε− j σω = ε(

1− j σωε

), τ = σ

ωε(2.8.1)

A good conductor corresponds to the limit τ� 1, or, σ �ωε. Using the approxi-mations of Eqs. (2.6.29) and (2.6.30), we find for the propagation parameters kc, ηc:

kc = β− jα =ω√με√τ2(1− j)=

√ωμσ

2(1− j)

ηc = η′ + jη′′ =√με

√1

2τ(1+ j)=

√ωμ2σ

(1+ j)(2.8.2)

Thus, the parameters β,α,δ are:

β = α =√ωμσ

2=√πfμσ , δ = 1

α=√

2

ωμσ= 1√

πfμσ(2.8.3)

where we replaced ω = 2πf . The complex characteristic impedance ηc can be writtenin the form ηc = Rs(1+ j), where Rs is called the surface resistance and is given by theequivalent forms (where η = √μ/ε ):

Rs = η√ωε2σ

=√ωμ2σ

= ασ= 1

σδ(2.8.4)

Example 2.8.1: For copper we have σ = 5.8 × 107 Siemens/m. The skin depth at frequency fis:

δ = 1√πfμσ

= 1√π · 4π · 10−7 · 5.8 · 107

f−1/2 = 0.0661 f−1/2 ( f in Hz)

We find at frequencies of 1 kHz, 1 MHz, and 1 GHz:

f = 1 kHz, δ = 2.09 mmf = 1 MHz, δ = 0.07 mmf = 1 GHz, δ = 2.09 μm

Thus, the skin depth is extremely small for good conductors at RF.

Because δ is so small, the fields will attenuate rapidly within the conductor, de-pending on distance like e−γz = e−αze−jβz = e−z/δe−jβz. The factor e−z/δ effectivelyconfines the fields to within a distance δ from the surface of the conductor.

This allows us to define equivalent “surface” quantities, such as surface current andsurface impedance. With reference to Fig. 2.6.1, we define the surface current density by


integrating the density J(z)= σE(z)= σE0e−γz over the top-side of the volume l dA ,and taking the limit l→∞ :

Js =∫∞

0J(z)dz =

∫∞0σE0e−γzdz = σ

γE0 , or,

Js = 1

ZsE0 (2.8.5)

where we defined the surface impedance Zs = γ/σ. In the good-conductor limit, Zs isequal to ηc. Indeed, it follows from Eqs. (2.8.3) and (2.8.4) that:

Zs = γσ= α+ jβ

σ= ασ(1+ j)= Rs(1+ j)= ηc

Because H0 × z = E0/ηc , it follows that the surface current will be related to themagnetic field intensity at the surface of the conductor by:

Js = H0 × z = n×H0 (2.8.6)

where n = −z is the outward normal to the conductor. The meaning of Js is that itrepresents the current flowing in the direction of E0 per unit length measured along theperpendicular direction to E0, that is, the H0-direction. It has units of A/m.

The total amount of ohmic losses per unit surface area of the conductor may becalculated from Eq. (2.6.26), which reads in this case:

dPohmic

dA= 1

2Rs|H0|2 = 1

2Rs|Js|2 (ohmic loss per unit conductor area) (2.8.7)

2.9 Skin Effect in Cylindrical Wires

Fig. 2.9.1 Current distribution in cylindrical wire.

2.10 Propagation in Oblique Directions

So far we considered waves propagating towards the z-direction. For single-frequencyuniform plane waves propagating in some arbitrary direction in a lossless medium, thepropagation factor is obtained by the substitution:

2.10. Propagation in Oblique Directions 63

e−jkz → e−j k·r

where k = kk, with k = ω√με = ω/c and k is a unit vector in the direction of propa-gation. The fields take the form:

E(r, t)= E0ejωt−j k·r

H(r, t)= H0ejωt−j k·r (2.10.1)

where E0, H0 are constant vectors transverse to k, that is, k ·E0 = k ·H0 = 0, such that:

H0 = 1

ωμk× E0 = 1

ηk× E0 (2.10.2)

where η = √μ/ε. Thus, {E,H, k} form a right-handed orthogonal system.The solutions (2.10.1) can be derived from Maxwell’s equations in a straightforward

fashion. When the gradient operator acts on the above fields, it can be simplified into∇∇∇ → −jk. This follows from:

∇∇∇(e−j k·r) = −jk (e−j k·r)After canceling the common factor ejωt−j k·r, Maxwell’s equations (2.1.1) take the form:

−jk× E0 = −jωμH0

−jk×H0 = jωεE0

k · E0 = 0

k ·H0 = 0

⇒

k× E0 =ωμH0

k×H0 = −ωεE0

k · E0 = 0

k ·H0 = 0

(2.10.3)

The last two imply that E0,H0 are transverse to k. The other two can be decoupledby taking the cross product of the first equation with k and using the second equation:

k× (k× E0)=ωμk×H0 = −ω2μεE0 (2.10.4)

The left-hand side can be simplified using the BAC-CAB rule and k · E0 = 0, that is,k× (k× E0)= k(k · E0)−E0(k · k)= −(k · k)E0. Thus, Eq. (2.10.4) becomes:

−(k · k)E0 = −ω2μεE0

Thus, we obtain the consistency condition:

k · k =ω2με (2.10.5)

Defining k =√

k · k = |k |, we have k =ω√με. Using the relationshipωμ = kη anddefining the unit vector k = k/|k | = k/k, the magnetic field is obtained from:

H0 = k× E0

ωμ= k× E0

kη= 1

ηk× E0


The constant-phase (and constant-amplitude) wavefronts are the planes k · r =constant, or, k · r = constant. They are the planes perpendicular to the propagationdirection k.

As an example, consider a rotated coordinate system {x′, y′, z′} in which the z′x′

axes are rotated by angle θ relative to the original zx axes, as shown in Fig. 2.10.1. Thus,the new coordinates and corresponding unit vectors will be:

Fig. 2.10.1 TM and TE waves.

z′ = z cosθ+ x sinθ, z′ = z cosθ+ x sinθx′ = x cosθ− z sinθ, x′ = x cosθ− z sinθy′ = y, y′ = y

(2.10.6)

We choose the propagation direction to be the new z-axis, that is, k = z′, so that thewave vector k = k k = k z′ will have components kz = k cosθ and kx = k sinθ :

k = k k = k(z cosθ+ x sinθ)= zkz + xkx

The propagation phase factor becomes:

e−j k·r = e−j(kzz+kxx) = e−jk(z cosθ+x sinθ) = e−jkz′

Because {E0,H0,k } form a right-handed vector system, the electric field may havecomponents along the new transverse (with respect to z′) axes, that is, along x′ and y.Thus, we may resolve E0 into the orthogonal directions:

E0 = x′A+ yB = (x cosθ− z sinθ)A+ yB (2.10.7)

The corresponding magnetic field will be H0 = k×E0/η = z′×(x′A+ yB)/η. Usingthe relationships z′ × x′ = y and z′ × y = −x′, we find:

H0 = 1

η[yA− x′B

] = 1

η[yA− (x cosθ− z sinθ)B

](2.10.8)

The complete expressions for the fields are then:

E(r, t) = [(x cosθ− z sinθ)A+ yB

]ejωt−jk(z cosθ+x sinθ)

H(r, t) = 1

η[yA− (x cosθ− z sinθ)B

]ejωt−jk(z cosθ+x sinθ)

(2.10.9)

2.11. Complex or Inhomogeneous Waves 65

Written with respect to the rotated coordinate system {x′, y′, z′}, the solutions be-come identical to those of Sec. 2.2:

E(r, t) = [x′A+ y′B

]ejωt−jkz

′

H(r, t) = 1

η[y′A− x′B

]ejωt−jkz

′ (2.10.10)

They are uniform in the sense that they do not depend on the new transverse coor-dinates x′, y′. The constant-phase planes are z′ = z′ · r = z cosθ+ x sinθ = const.

The polarization properties of the wave depend on the relative phases and ampli-tudes of the complex constantsA,B, with the polarization ellipse lying on the x′y′ plane.

The A- and B-components of E0 are referred to as transverse magnetic (TM) andtransverse electric (TE), respectively, where “transverse” is meant here with respect tothe z-axis. The TE case has an electric field transverse to z; the TM case has a magneticfield transverse to z. Fig. 2.10.1 depicts these two cases separately.

This nomenclature arises in the context of plane waves incident obliquely on inter-faces, where the xz plane is the plane of incidence and the interface is the xy plane. TheTE and TM cases are also referred to as having “perpendicular” and “parallel” polariza-tion vectors with respect to the plane of incidence, that is, the E-field is perpendicularor parallel to the xz plane.

We may define the concept of transverse impedance as the ratio of the transverse(with respect to z) components of the electric and magnetic fields. In particular, byanalogy with the definitions of Sec. 2.4, we have:

ηTM = ExHy

= A cosθ1

ηA

= η cosθ

ηTE = − EyHx =B

1

ηB cosθ

= ηcosθ

(2.10.11)

Such transverse impedances play an important role in describing the transfer matri-ces of dielectric slabs at oblique incidence. We discuss them further in Chap. 7.

2.11 Complex or Inhomogeneous Waves

The steps leading to the wave solution (2.10.1) do not preclude a complex-valued wavevec-tor k. For example, if the medium is lossy, we must replace {η, k} by {ηc, kc}, wherekc = β − jα, resulting from a complex effective permittivity εc. If the propagationdirection is defined by the unit vector k , chosen to be a rotated version of z, then thewavevector will be defined by k = kc k = (β−jα)k . Because kc =ω

√μεc and k·k = 1,

the vector k satisfies the consistency condition (2.10.5):

k · k = k2c =ω2μεc (2.11.1)

The propagation factor will be:

e−j k·r = e−jkc k·r = e−(α+jβ) k·r = e−α k·re−jβ k·r


The wave is still a uniform plane wave in the sense that the constant-amplitudeplanes, α k · r = const., and the constant-phase planes, β k · r = const., coincide witheach other—being the planes perpendicular to the propagation direction. For example,the rotated solution (2.10.10) becomes in the lossy case:

E(r, t) = [x′A+ y′B]ejωt−jkcz

′ = [x′A+ y′B]ejωt−(α+jβ)z

′

H(r, t) = 1

ηc

[y′A− x′B

]ejωt−jkcz

′ = 1

ηc

[y′A− x′B

]ejωt−(α+jβ)z

′ (2.11.2)

In this solution, the real and imaginary parts of the wavevector k = βββ − jααα arecollinear, that is, βββ = β k andααα = α k.

More generally, there exist solutions having a complex wavevector k = βββ− jααα suchthat βββ,ααα are not collinear. The propagation factor becomes now:

e−j k·r = e−(ααα+jβββ)·r = e−ααα·re−jβββ·r (2.11.3)

If ααα,βββ are not collinear, such a wave will not be a uniform plane wave because theconstant-amplitude planes,ααα ·r = const., and the constant-phase planes, βββ ·r = const.,will be different. The consistency condition k · k = k2

c = (β − jα)2 splits into thefollowing two conditions obtained by equating real and imaginary parts:

(βββ− jααα)·(βββ− jααα)= (β− jα)2 �βββ ·βββ−ααα ·ααα = β2 −α2

βββ ·ααα = αβ (2.11.4)

With E0 chosen to satisfy k·E0 = (βββ− jααα)·E0 = 0, the magnetic field is computed fromEq. (2.10.2), H0 = k× E0/ωμ = (βββ− jααα)×E0/ωμ.

Let us look at an explicit construction. We choose βββ,ααα to lie on the xz plane ofFig. 2.10.1, and resolve them as βββ = zβz + xβx and ααα = zαz + xαx. Thus,

k = βββ− jααα = z (βz − jαz)+ x (βx − jαx)= zkz + xkx

Then, the propagation factor (2.11.3) and conditions (2.11.4) read explicitly:

e−j k·r = e−(αzz+αxx)e−j(βzz+βxx)β2z + β2

x −α2z −α2

x = β2 −α2

βzαz + βxαx = βα(2.11.5)

Because k is orthogonal to both y and y× k, we construct the electric field E0 as thefollowing linear combination of TM and TE terms:

E0 = (y× k)A+ yB , where k = k

kc= βββ− jαααβ− jα (2.11.6)

This satisfies k · E0 = 0. Then, the magnetic field becomes:

H0 = k× E0

ωμ= 1

ηc

[yA− (y× k)B

](2.11.7)

2.12. Doppler Effect 67

The vector k is complex-valued and satisfies k · k = 1. These expressions reduce toEq. (2.11.2), if k = z′.

Waves with a complex k are known as complex waves, or inhomogeneous waves. Inapplications, they always appear in connection with some interface between two media.The interface serves either as a reflecting/transmitting surface, or as a guiding surface.

For example, when plane waves are incident obliquely from a lossless dielectric ontoa planar interface with a lossy medium, the waves transmitted into the lossy mediumare of such complex type. Taking the interface to be the xy-plane and the lossy mediumto be the region z ≥ 0, it turns out that the transmitted waves are characterized byattenuation only in the z-direction. Therefore, Eqs. (2.11.5) apply with αz > 0 andαx = 0. The parameter βx is fixed by Snel’s law, so that Eqs. (2.11.5) provide a systemof two equations in the two unknowns βz and αz. We discuss this further in Chap. 7.

Wave solutions with complex k = βββ − jααα are possible even when the propagationmedium is lossless so that εc = ε is real, and β =ω√με and α = 0. Then, Eqs. (2.11.4)become βββ ·βββ−ααα ·ααα = β2 and βββ ·ααα = 0. Thus, the constant-amplitude and constant-phase planes are orthogonal to each other.

Examples of such waves are the evanescent waves in total internal reflection, variousguided-wave problems, such as surface waves, leaky waves, and traveling-wave antennas.The most famous of these is the Zenneck wave, which is a surface wave propagatingalong a lossy ground, decaying exponentially with distance above and along the ground.

Another example of current interest is surface plasmons [593–631], which are sur-face waves propagating along the interface between a metal, such as silver, and a dielec-tric, such as air, with the fields decaying exponentially perpendicularly to the interfaceboth in the air and the metal. We discuss them further in Sections 7.11 and 8.5.

For a classification of various types of complex waves and a review of several ap-plications, including the Zenneck wave, see Refs. [902–909]. We will encounter some ofthese in Section 7.7.

The table below illustrates the vectorial directions and relative signs of some possibletypes, assuming thatααα,βββ lie on the xz plane with the yz plane being the interface plane.

ααα βββ αz αx βz βx complex wave type

0 ↘ 0 0 + − oblique incidence

↑ → 0 + + 0 evanescent surface wave

↗ ↘ + + + − Zenneck surface wave

↖ ↗ − + + + leaky wave

2.12 Doppler Effect

The Doppler effect is the frequency shift perceived by an observer whenever the sourceof the waves and the observer are in relative motion.

Besides the familiar Doppler effect for sound waves, such as the increase in pitchof the sound of an approaching car, ambulance, or train, the Doppler effect has severalother applications, such as Doppler radar for aircraft tracking, weather radar, groundimaging, and police radar; several medical ultrasound applications, such as monitoring


blood flow or imaging internal organs and fetuses; and astrophysical applications, suchas measuring the red shift of light emitted by receding galaxies.

In the classical treatment of the Doppler effect, one assumes that the waves prop-agate in some medium (e.g., sound waves in air). If c is the wave propagation speed inthe medium, the classical expression for the Doppler effect is given by:

fb = fa c− vbc− va (2.12.1)

where fa and fb are the frequencies measured in the rest frames of the source Sa andobserver Sb, and va and vb are the velocities of Sa and Sb with respect to the propagationmedium, projected along their line of sight.

The algebraic sign of va is positive if Sa is moving toward Sb from the left, and thesign of vb is positive if Sb is moving away from Sa. Thus, there is a frequency increasewhenever the source and the observer are approaching each other (va > 0 or vb < 0),and a frequency decrease if they are receding from each other (va < 0 or vb > 0).

Eq. (2.12.1) can be derived by considering the two cases of a moving source and a sta-tionary observer, or a stationary source and a moving observer, as shown in Fig. 2.12.1.

Fig. 2.12.1 Classical Doppler effect.

In the first case, the spacing of the successive crests of the wave (the wavelength) isdecreased in front of the source because during the time interval between crests, thatis, during one period Ta = 1/fa, the source has moved by a distance vaTa bringing twosuccessive crests closer together by that amount. Thus, the wavelength perceived bythe observer will be λb = λa − vaTa = (c− va)/fa, which gives:

fb = cλb

= fa cc− va (moving source) (2.12.2)

In the second case, because the source is stationary, the wavelength λa will notchange, but now the effective speed of the wave in the rest frame of the observer is

2.12. Doppler Effect 69

(c− vb). Therefore, the frequency perceived by the observer will be:

fb = c− vbλa

= fa c− vbc(moving observer) (2.12.3)

The combination of these two cases leads to Eq. (2.12.1). We have assumed inEqs. (2.12.1)–(2.12.3) that va, vb are less than c so that supersonic effects are not consid-ered. A counter-intuitive aspect of the classical Doppler formula (2.12.1) is that it doesnot depend on the relative velocity (vb − va) of the observer and source. Therefore,it makes a difference whether the source or the observer is moving. Indeed, when theobserver is moving with vb = v away from a stationary source, or when the source ismoving with va = −v away from a stationary observer, then Eq. (2.12.1) gives:

fb = fa(1− v/c) , fb = fa1+ v/c (2.12.4)

These two expressions are equivalent to first-order in v/c. This follows from theTaylor series approximation (1+x)−1� 1−x, which is valid for |x| � 1. More generally,to first order in va/c and vb/c, Eq. (2.12.1) does depend only on the relative velocity. Inthis case the Doppler shift Δf = fb − fa is given approximately by:

Δffa= va − vb

c(2.12.5)

For Doppler radar this doubles to Δf/fa = 2(va − vb)/c because the wave sufferstwo Doppler shifts, one for the transmitted and one for the reflected wave. This isfurther discussed in Sec. 5.8.

For electromagnetic waves,† the correct Doppler formula depends only on the rela-tive velocity between observer and source and is given by the relativistic generalizationof Eq. (2.12.1):

fb = fa√c− vbc+ vb ·

c+ vac− va = fa

√c− vc+ v (relativistic Doppler effect) (2.12.6)

where v is the velocity of the observer relative to the source, which according to theEinstein addition theorem for velocities is given through the equivalent expressions:

v = vb − va1− vbva/c2

� vb = va + v1+ vav/c2

�c− vc+ v =

c− vbc+ vb ·

c+ vac− va (2.12.7)

Using the first-order Taylor series expansion (1 + x)±1/2= 1 ± x/2, one can showthat Eq. (2.12.6) can be written approximately as Eq. (2.12.5).

Next, we present a more precise discussion of the Doppler effect based on Lorentztransformations. Our discussion follows that of Einstein’s 1905 paper on special rela-tivity [474]. Fig. 2.12.2 shows a uniform plane wave propagating in vacuum as viewedfrom the vantage point of two coordinate frames: a fixed frame S and a frame S′ movingtowards the z-direction with velocity v. We assume that the wavevector k in S lies in thexz-plane and forms an angle θ with the z-axis as shown.

†The question of the existence of a medium (the ether) required for the propagation of electromagneticwaves precipitated the development of the special relativity theory.


Fig. 2.12.2 Plane wave viewed from stationary and moving frames.

As discussed in Appendix K, the transformation of the frequency-wavenumber four-vector (ω/c,k) between the frames S and S′ is given by the Lorentz transformation ofEq. (K.14). Because ky = 0 and the transverse components of k do not change, we willhave k′y = ky = 0, that is, the wavevector k ′ will still lie in the xz-plane of the S′ frame.The frequency and the other components of k transform as follows:

ω′ = γ(ω− βckz)k′z = γ

(kz − βcω

)k′x = kx

β = vc, γ = 1√

1− β2(2.12.8)

Setting kz = k cosθ, kx = k sinθ, with k = ω/c, and similarly in the S′ frame,k′z = k′ cosθ′, k′x = k′ sinθ′, with k′ =ω′/c, Eqs. (2.12.8) may be rewritten in the form:

ω′ =ωγ(1− β cosθ)ω′ cosθ′ =ωγ(cosθ− β)ω′ sinθ′ =ω sinθ

(2.12.9)

The first equation is the relativistic Doppler formula, relating the frequency of thewave as it is measured by an observer in the moving frame S′ to the frequency of asource in the fixed frame S:

f ′ = fγ(1− β cosθ)= f 1− β cosθ√1− β2

(2.12.10)

The last two equations in (2.12.9) relate the apparent propagation angles θ,θ′ in thetwo frames. Eliminating ω,ω′, we obtain the following equivalent expressions:

cosθ′ = cosθ− β1− β cosθ

� sinθ′ = sinθγ(1− β cosθ)

�tan(θ′/2)tan(θ/2)

=√

1+ β1− β (2.12.11)

where to obtain the last one we used the identity tan(φ/2)= sinφ/(1 + cosφ). Thedifference in the propagation angles θ,θ′ is referred to as the aberration of light dueto motion. Using Eqs. (2.12.11), the Doppler equation (2.12.10) may be written in thealternative forms:

f ′ = fγ(1− β cosθ)= fγ(1+ β cosθ′)

= f√

1− β cosθ1+ β cosθ′

(2.12.12)

2.13. Propagation in Negative-Index Media 71

If the wave is propagating in the z-direction (θ = 0o), Eq. (2.12.10) gives:

f ′ = f√

1− β1+ β (2.12.13)

and, if it is propagating in the x-direction (θ = 90o), we obtain the so-called transverseDoppler effect: f ′ = fγ. The relativistic Doppler effect, including the transverse one,has been observed experimentally.

To derive Eq. (2.12.6), we consider two reference frames Sa, Sb moving along thez-direction with velocities va, vb with respect to our fixed frame S, and we assume thatθ = 0o in the frame S. Let fa, fb be the frequencies of the wave as measured in theframes Sa, Sb. Then, the separate application of Eq. (2.12.13) to Sa and Sb gives:

fa = f√

1− βa1+ βa , fb = f

√1− βb1+ βb ⇒ fb = fa

√1− βb1+ βb ·

1+ βa1− βa (2.12.14)

where βa = va/c and βb = vb/c. This is equivalent to Eq. (2.12.6). The case when thewave is propagating in an arbitrary direction θ is given in Problem 2.27.

Next, we consider the transformation of the electromagnetic field components be-tween the two frames. The electric field has the following form in S and S′:

E = E0ej(ωt−kxx−kzz) , E ′ = E ′0ej(ω′t′−k′xx′−k′zz′) (2.12.15)

As we discussed in Appendix K, the propagation phase factors remain invariant inthe two frames, that is, ωt − kxx − kzz = ω′t′ − k′xx′ − k′zz′. Assuming a TE waveand using Eq. (2.10.9), the electric and magnetic field amplitudes will have the followingform in the two frames:

E0 = E0y , cB0 = η0H0 = k× E0 = E0(−x cosθ+ z sinθ)

E ′0 = E′0y , cB ′0 = η0H ′0 = k

′ × E ′0 = E′0(−x cosθ′ + z sinθ′)(2.12.16)

Applying the Lorentz transformation properties of Eq. (K.31) to the above field com-ponents, we find:

E′y = γ(Ey + βcBx)cB′x = γ(cBx + βEy)cB′z = cBz

⇒E′0 = E0γ(1− β cosθ)

−E′0 cosθ′ = −E0γ(cosθ− β)E′0 sinθ′ = E0 sinθ

(2.12.17)

The first equation gives the desired relationship between E0 and E′0. The last twoequations imply the same angle relationships as Eq. (2.12.11). The same relationshipbetween E0, E′0 holds also for a TM wave defined by E0 = E0(x cosθ− z sinθ).

2.13 Propagation in Negative-Index Media

In media with simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability, ε < 0 and μ < 0,the refractive index must be negative [391]. To see this, we consider a uniform planewave propagating in a lossless medium:

Ex(z, t)= E0 ejωt−jkz , Hy(z, t)= H0 ejωt−jkz


Then, Maxwell’s equations require the following relationships, which are equivalentto Faraday’s and Ampere’s laws, respectively:

kE0 =ωμH0 , kH0 =ωεE0 , or,

η = E0

H0= ωμ

k= kωε

⇒ k2 =ω2εμ (2.13.1)

Because the medium is lossless, k and η will be real and the time-averaged Poyntingvector, which points in the z-direction, will be:

Pz = 1

2Re[E0H∗0 ]=

1

2η|E0|2 = 1

2η|H0|2 (2.13.2)

If we require that the energy flux be towards the positive z-direction, that is,Pz > 0,then we must have η > 0. Because μ and ε are negative, Eq. (2.13.1) implies that kmustbe negative, k < 0, in order for the ratio η = ωμ/k to be positive. Thus, in solvingk2 =ω2με, we must choose the negative square root:

k = −ω√με (2.13.3)

The refractive index n may be defined through k = k0n, where k0 = ω√μ0ε0 isthe free-space wavenumber. Thus, we have n = k/k0 = −√με/μ0ε0 = −√μrelεrel,expressed in terms of the relative permittivity and permeability. Writing ε = −|ε| andμ = −|μ|, we have for the medium impedance:

η = ωμk= −ω|μ|−ω√|με| =

√|μ||ε| =

√με

(2.13.4)

which can be written also as follows, where η0 =√μ0/ε0:

η = η0μμ0n

= η0ε0nε

(2.13.5)

Thus, in negative-index media, the wave vector k and the phase velocity vph =ω/k =c0/nwill be negative, pointing in opposite direction than the Poynting vector. As we sawin Sec. 1.18, for lossless negative-index media the energy transport velocity ven, whichis in the direction of the Poynting vector, coincides with the group velocity vg. Thus,vg = ven > 0, while vph < 0.

Two consequences of the negative refractive index, n < 0, are the reversal of Snel’slaw discussed in Sec. 7.16 and the possibility of a perfect lens discussed in Sec. 8.6. Theseand other consequences of n < 0, such as the reversal of the Doppler and Cherenkoveffects and the reversal of the field momentum, have been discussed by Veselago [391].

If the propagation is along an arbitrary direction defined by a unit-vector s (i.e.,a rotated version of z), then we may define the wavevector by k = ks, with k to bedetermined, and look for solutions of Maxwell’s equations of the form:

E(r, t)= E0 ejωt−j k·r

H(r, t)= H0 ejωt−j k·r (2.13.6)

2.13. Propagation in Negative-Index Media 73

Gauss’s laws require that the constant vectors E0, H0 be transverse to k, or s, thatis, s · E0 = s ·H0 = 0. Then, Faraday’s and Ampere’s laws require that:

H0 = 1

η(s× E0) , η = ωμ

k= kωε

⇒ k2 =ω2με (2.13.7)

with a Poynting vector:

PPP = 1

2Re[E0 ×H∗0

] = s1

2η|E0|2 (2.13.8)

Thus, if PPP is assumed to be in the direction of s, then we must have η > 0, andtherefore, k must be negative as in Eq. (2.13.3). It follows that the wavevector k = kswill be in the opposite direction of s andPPP. Eq. (2.13.7) implies that the triplet {E0,H0, s}is still a right-handed vector system, but {E0,H0,k} will be a left-handed system. Thisis the reason why Veselago [391] named such media left-handed media.†

In a lossy negative-index medium, the permittivity and permeability will be complex-valued, ε = εr − jεi and μ = μr − jμi, with negative real parts εr, μr < 0, and positiveimaginary parts εi, μi > 0. Eq. (2.13.1) remains the same and will imply that k and η willbe complex-valued. Letting k = β− jα, the fields will be attenuating as they propagate:

Ex(z, t)= E0e−αzejωt−jβz , Hy(z, t)= H0e−αzejωt−jβz

and the Poynting vector will be given by:

Pz = 1

2Re[Ex(z)H∗y (z)

] = 1

2Re( 1

η)|E0|2e−2αz = 1

2Re(η)|H0|2e−2αz (2.13.9)

The refractive index is complex-valued, n = nr − jni, and is related to k throughk = k0n, or, β− jα = k0(nr − jni), or, β = k0nr and α = k0ni. Thus, the conditions ofnegative phase velocity (β < 0), field attenuation (α > 0), and positive power flow canbe stated equivalently as follows:

nr < 0 , ni > 0 , Re(η)> 0 (2.13.10)

Next, we look at the necessary and sufficient conditions for a medium to satisfy theseconditions. If we express ε, μ in their polar forms, ε = |ε|e−jθε and μ = |μ|e−jθμ , then,regardless of the signs of εr, μr , the assumption that the medium is lossy, εi, μi > 0,requires that sinθε > 0 and sinθμ > 0, and these are equivalent to the restrictions:

0 ≤ θε ≤ π, 0 ≤ θμ ≤ π (2.13.11)

To guarantee α > 0, the wavenumber k must be computed by taking the positivesquare root of k2 =ω2με =ω2|με|2e−j(θε+θμ), that is,

k = β− jα =ω√|με|e−jθ+ , θ+ = θε + θμ

2(2.13.12)

Indeed, the restrictions (2.13.11) imply the same for θ+, that is, 0 ≤ θ+ ≤ π, or,equivalently, sinθ+ > 0, and hence α > 0. Similarly, the quantities n,η are given by:

n = |n|e−jθ+ , η = |η|e−jθ− , θ− = θε − θμ2

(2.13.13)

†The term negative-index media is preferred in order to avoid confusion with chiral media.


where |n| = √|με|/μ0ε0 and |η| = √|μ|/|ε|. It follows that ni = |n| sinθ+ > 0. Sincenr = |n| cosθ+ and Re(η)= |η| cosθ−, the conditions nr < 0 and Re(η)> 0 will beequivalent to

cosθ+ = cos(θε + θμ

2

)< 0 , cosθ− = cos

(θε − θμ2

)> 0 (2.13.14)

Using some trigonometric identities, these conditions become equivalently:

cos(θε/2)cos(θμ/2)− sin(θε/2)sin(θμ/2) < 0

cos(θε/2)cos(θμ/2)+ sin(θε/2)sin(θμ/2) > 0

which combine into

− sin(θε/2)sin(θμ/2)< cos(θε/2)cos(θμ/2)< sin(θε/2)sin(θμ/2)

Because 0 ≤ θε/2 ≤ π/2, we have cos(θε/2)≥ 0 and sin(θε/2)≥ 0, and similarlyfor θμ/2. Thus, the above conditions can be replaced by the single equivalent inequality:

tan(θε/2)tan(θμ/2)> 1 (2.13.15)

A number of equivalent conditions have been given in the literature [412,440] for amedium to have negative phase velocity and positive power:

(|ε| − εr)(|μ| − μr) > εiμiεr|μ| + μr|ε| < 0

εrμi + μrεi < 0

(2.13.16)

They are all equivalent to condition (2.13.15). This can be seen by writing themin terms of the angles θε,θμ and then using simple trigonometric identities, such astan(θ/2)= (1− cosθ)/ sinθ, to show their equivalence to (2.13.15):

(1− cosθε)(1− cosθμ)> sinθε sinθμcosθε + cosθμ < 0

cotθε + cotθμ < 0

(2.13.17)

If the medium has negative real parts, εr < 0 and μr < 0, then the conditions(2.13.16) are obviously satisfied.

2.14 Problems

2.1 A function E(z, t) may be thought of as a function E(ζ, ξ) of the independent variablesζ = z − ct and ξ = z + ct. Show that the wave equation (2.1.6) and the forward-backwardequations (2.1.10) become in these variables:

∂2E

∂ζ∂ξ= 0 ,

∂E+∂ξ

= 0 ,∂E−∂ζ

= 0

Thus, E+ may depend only on ζ and E− only on ξ.

2.14. Problems 75

2.2 A source located at z = 0 generates an electromagnetic pulse of duration of T sec, given byE(0, t)= xE0

[u(t)−u(t − T)], where u(t) is the unit step function and E0 is a constant.

The pulse is launched towards the positive z-direction. Determine expressions for E(z, t)and H(z, t) and sketch them versus z at any given t.

2.3 Show that for a single-frequency wave propagating along the z-direction the correspondingtransverse fields E(z),H(z) satisfy the system of equations:

∂∂z

[E

H× z

]=[

0 −jωμ−jωε 0

][E

H× z

]

where the matrix equation is meant to apply individually to the x, y components of thevector entries. Show that the following similarity transformation diagonalizes the transitionmatrix, and discuss its role in decoupling and solving the above system in terms of forwardand backward waves:

[1 η1 −η

][0 −jωμ

−jωε 0

][1 η1 −η

]−1

=[−jk 0

0 jk

]

where k =ω/c, c = 1/√με , and η = √μ/ε.2.4 The visible spectrum has the wavelength range 380–780 nm. What is this range in THz? In

particular, determine the frequencies of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet havingthe nominal wavelengths of 700, 610, 590, 530, 470, and 420 nm.

2.5 What is the frequency in THz of a typical CO2 laser (used in laser surgery) having the farinfrared wavelength of 20 μm?

2.6 What is the wavelength in meters or cm of a wave with the frequencies of 10 kHz, 10 MHz,and 10 GHz?

What is the frequency in GHz of the 21-cm hydrogen line observed in the cosmos?

What is the wavelength in cm of the typical microwave oven frequency of 2.45 GHz?

2.7 Suppose you start with E(z, t)= xE0ejωt−jkz, but you do not yet know the relationshipbetween k andω (you may assume they are both positive.) By inserting E(z, t) into Maxwell’sequations, determine the k–ω relationship as a consequence of these equations. Determinealso the magnetic field H(z, t) and verify that all of Maxwell’s equations are satisfied.

Repeat the problem if E(z, t)= xE0ejωt+jkz and if E(z, t)= yE0ejωt−jkz.

2.8 Determine the polarization types of the following waves, and indicate the direction, if linear,and the sense of rotation, if circular or elliptic:

a. E = E0(x+ y)e−jkz e. E = E0(x− y)e−jkz

b. E = E0(x−√

3 y)e−jkz f. E = E0(√

3 x− y)e−jkz

c. E = E0(j x+ y)e−jkz g. E = E0(j x− y)ejkz

d. E = E0(x− 2j y)e−jkz h. E = E0(x+ 2j y)ejkz

2.9 A uniform plane wave, propagating in the z-direction in vacuum, has the following electricfield:

EEE(t, z)= 2 x cos(ωt − kz)+4 y sin(ωt − kz)a. Determine the vector phasor representingEEE(t, z) in the complex form E = E0ejωt−jkz.

b. Determine the polarization of this electric field (linear, circular, elliptic, left-handed,right-handed?)


c. Determine the magnetic fieldHHH(t, z) in its real-valued form.

2.10 A uniform plane wave propagating in vacuum along the z direction has real-valued electricfield components:

Ex(z, t)= cos(ωt − kz) , Ey(z, t)= 2 sin(ωt − kz)

a. Its phasor form has the form E = (A x+B y)e±jkz. Determine the numerical values ofthe complex-valued coefficients A,B and the correct sign of the exponent.

b. Determine the polarization of this wave (left, right, linear, etc.). Explain your reasoning.

2.11 Consider the two electric fields, one given in its real-valued form, and the other, in its phasorform:

a. EEE(t, z)= x sin(ωt + kz)+2y cos(ωt + kz)b. E(z)= [(1+ j)x− (1− j)y]e−jkz

For both cases, determine the polarization of the wave (linear, circular, left, right, etc.) andthe direction of propagation.

For case (a), determine the field in its phasor form. For case (b), determine the field in itsreal-valued form as a function of t, z.

2.12 A uniform plane wave propagating in the z-direction has the following real-valued electricfield:

EEE(t, z)= x cos(ωt − kz−π/4)+y cos(ωt − kz+π/4)

a. Determine the complex-phasor form of this electric field.

b. Determine the corresponding magnetic field HHH(t, z) given in its real-valued form.

c. Determine the polarization type (left, right, linear, etc.) of this wave.

2.13 Determine the polarization type (left, right, linear, etc.) and the direction of propagation ofthe following electric fields given in their phasor forms:

a. E(z)= [(1+ j√3)x+ 2 y]e+jkz

b. E(z)= [(1+ j)x− (1− j)y]e−jkzc. E(z)= [x− z+ j√2 y

]e−jk(x+z)/

√2

2.14 Consider a forward-moving wave in its real-valued form:

EEE(t, z)= xA cos(ωt − kz+φa)+yB cos(ωt − kz+φb)

Show that:

EEE(t +Δt, z+Δz)×EEE(t, z)= zAB sin(φa −φb)sin(ωΔt − kΔz)

2.15 In this problem we explore the properties of the polarization ellipse. Let us assume initiallythat A �= B. Show that in order for the polarization ellipse of Eq. (2.5.4) to be equivalentto the rotated one of Eq. (2.5.8), we must determine the tilt angle θ to satisfy the followingmatrix condition:

[cosθ sinθ

− sinθ cosθ

]⎡⎢⎢⎢⎣1

A2− cosφAB

− cosφAB

1

B2

⎤⎥⎥⎥⎦[

cosθ − sinθsinθ cosθ

]= sin2φ

⎡⎢⎢⎣

1

A′20

01

B′2

⎤⎥⎥⎦ (2.14.1)

2.14. Problems 77

From this condition, show that θ must satisfy Eq. (2.5.5). However, this equation does notdetermine θ uniquely. To see this, let τ = tanθ and use a standard trigonometric identityto write (2.5.5) in the form:

tan 2θ = 2τ1− τ2

= 2ABA2 − B2

cosφ (2.14.2)

Show that the two possible solutions for τ are given by:

τs = B2 −A2 + sD2AB cosφ

, s = ±1

whereD =

√(A2 − B2)2+4A2B2 cos2φ =

√(A2 + B2)2−4A2B2 sin2φ

Show also that τsτ−s = −1. Thus one or the other of the τ’s must have magnitude less thanunity. To determine which one, show the relationship:

1− τ2s =

s(A2 − B2)[D− s(A2 − B2)

]2A2B2 cos2φ

Show that the quantity D− s(A2−B2) is always positive. If we select s = sign(A−B), thens(A2 − B2)= |A2 − B2|, and therefore, 1− τ2

s > 0, or |τs| < 1. This is the proper choice ofτs and corresponding tilt angle θ. We note parenthetically, that if Eq. (2.14.2) is solved bytaking arc tangents of both sides,

θ = 1

2atan

[2AB

A2 − B2cosφ

](2.14.3)

then, because MATLAB constrains the returned angle from the arctan function to lie in theinterval −π/2 ≤ 2θ ≤ π/2, it follows that θ will lie in −π/4 ≤ θ ≤ π/4, which alwaysresults in a tangent with | tanθ| ≤ 1. Thus, (2.14.3) generates the proper θ correspondingto τs with s = sign(A−B). In fact, our function ellipse uses (2.14.3) internally. The aboveresults can be related to the eigenvalue properties of the matrix,

Q =

⎡⎢⎢⎢⎣

1

A2− cosφAB

− cosφAB

1

B2

⎤⎥⎥⎥⎦

defined by the quadratic form of the polarization ellipse (2.5.4). Show that Eq. (2.14.1) isequivalent to the eigenvalue decomposition of Q, with the diagonal matrix on the right-hand side representing the two eigenvalues, and [cosθ, sinθ]T and [− sinθ, cosθ]T , thecorresponding eigenvectors. By solving the characteristic equation det(Q − λI)= 0, showthat the two eigenvalues of Q are given by:

λs = A2 + B2 + sD2A2B2

, s = ±1

Thus, it follows from (2.14.1) that sin2φ/A′2 and sin2φ/B′2 must be identified with one orthe other of the two eigenvalues λs, λ−s. From Eq. (2.14.1) show the relationships:

λsλ−s = sin2φA2B2

,1

A2− cosφ

ABτs = λ−s , 1

B2+ cosφ

ABτs = λs


With the choice s = sign(A− B), show that the ellipse semi-axes are given by the followingequivalent expressions:

A′2 = A2 + τsAB cosφ = A2 − B2τ2s

1− τ2s

= 1

2

[A2 + B2 + sD] = A2B2λs

B′2 = B2 − τsAB cosφ = B2 −A2τ2s

1− τ2s

= 1

2

[A2 + B2 − sD] = A2B2λ−s

(2.14.4)

with the right-most expressions being equivalent to Eqs. (2.5.6). Show also the following:

A′2 + B′2 = A2 + B2 , A′B′ = AB| sinφ|

Using these relationships and the definition (2.5.9) for the angle χ, show that tanχ is equalto the minor-to-major axis ratio B′/A′ or A′/B′, whichever is less than one.

Finally, for the special case A = B, by directly manipulating the polarization ellipse (2.5.4),show that θ = π/4 and that A′, B′ are given by Eq. (2.5.10). Since τ = 1 in this case, theleft-most equations in (2.14.4) generate the same A′, B′. Show that one can also chooseθ = −π/4 or τ = −1, withA′, B′ reversing roles, but with the polarization ellipse remainingthe same.

2.16 Show the cross-product equation (2.5.11). Then, prove the more general relationship:

EEE(t1)×EEE(t2)= zAB sinφ sin(ω(t2 − t1)

)Discuss how linear polarization can be explained with the help of this result.

2.17 Using the properties kcηc = ωμ and k2c = ω2μεc for the complex-valued quantities kc, ηc

of Eq. (2.6.5), show the following relationships, where εc = ε′ − jε′′ and kc = β− jα:

Re(η−1c) = ωε′′

2α= βωμ

2.18 Show that for a lossy medium the complex-valued quantities kc and ηc may be expressed asfollows, in terms of the loss angle θ defined in Eq. (2.6.27):

kc = β− jα =ω√με′d

(cos

θ2− j sin

θ2

)(cosθ)−1/2

ηc = η′ + jη′′ =√με′d

(cos

θ2+ j sin

θ2

)(cosθ)1/2

2.19 It is desired to reheat frozen mashed potatoes and frozen cooked carrots in a microwave ovenoperating at 2.45 GHz. Determine the penetration depth and assess the effectiveness of thisheating method. Moreover, determine the attenuation of the electric field (in dB and absoluteunits) at a depth of 1 cm from the surface of the food. The complex dielectric constants ofthe mashed potatoes and carrots are (see [146]) εc = (65− j25)ε0 and εc = (75− j25)ε0.

2.20 We wish to shield a piece of equipment from RF interference over the frequency range from10 kHz to 1 GHz by enclosing it in a copper enclosure. The RF interference inside theenclosure is required to be at least 50 dB down compared to its value outside. What is theminimum thickness of the copper shield in mm?

2.21 In order to protect a piece of equipment from RF interference, we construct an enclosuremade of aluminum foil (you may assume a reasonable value for its thickness.) The conduc-tivity of aluminum is 3.5×107 S/m. Over what frequency range can this shield protect ourequipment assuming the same 50-dB attenuation requirement of the previous problem?

2.14. Problems 79

2.22 A uniform plane wave propagating towards the positive z-direction in empty space has anelectric field at z = 0 that is a linear superposition of two components of frequencies ω1

and ω2:

E(0, t)= x (E1ejω1t + E2ejω2t)

Determine the fields E(z, t) and H(z, t) at any point z.

2.23 An electromagnetic wave propagating in a lossless dielectric is described by the electric andmagnetic fields, E(z)= xE(z) and H(z)= yH(z), consisting of the forward and backwardcomponents:

E(z) = E+e−jkz + E−ejkz

H(z) = 1

η(E+e−jkz − E−ejkz)

a. Verify that these expressions satisfy all of Maxwell’s equations.

b. Show that the time-averaged energy flux in the z-direction is independent of z and isgiven by:

Pz = 1

2Re[E(z)H∗(z)

] = 1

2η(|E+|2 − |E−|2)

c. Assuming μ = μ0 and ε = n2ε0, so that n is the refractive index of the dielectric, showthat the fields at two different z-locations, say at z = z1 and z = z2 are related by thematrix equation:

[E(z1)η0H(z1)

]=[

coskl jn−1 sinkljn sinkl coskl

][E(z2)η0H(z2)

]

where l = z2 − z1, and we multiplied the magnetic field by η0 =√μ0/ε0 in order to

give it the same dimensions as the electric field.

d. Let Z(z)= E(z)η0H(z)

and Y(z)= 1

Z(z)be the normalized wave impedance and admit-

tance at location z. Show the relationships at at the locations z1 and z2 :

Z(z1)= Z(z2)+jn−1 tankl1+ jnZ(z2)tankl

, Y(z1)= Y(z2)+jn tankl1+ jn−1Y(z2)tankl

What would be these relationships if had we normalized to the medium impedance,that is, Z(z)= E(z)/ηH(z)?

2.24 Show that the time-averaged energy density and Poynting vector of the obliquely movingwave of Eq. (2.10.10) are given by

w = 1

2Re[1

2εE · E∗ + 1

2μH ·H∗] = 1

2ε(|A|2 + |B|2)

PPP = 1

2Re[E×H∗]= z′

1

2η(|A|2 + |B|2)= (z cosθ+ x sinθ)

1

2η(|A|2 + |B|2)

where z′ = z cosθ+ x sinθ is the unit vector in the direction of propagation. Show that theenergy transport velocity is v =PPP/w = c z′.


2.25 A uniform plane wave propagating in empty space has electric field:

E(x, z, t)= yE0ejωte−jk(x+z)/√

2 , k = ωc0

a. Inserting E(x, z, t) into Maxwell’s equations, work out an expression for the corre-sponding magnetic field H(x, z, t).

b. What is the direction of propagation and its unit vector k?

c. Working with Maxwell’s equations, determine the electric field E(x, z, t) and propaga-tion direction k, if we started with a magnetic field given by:

H(x, z, t)= yH0ejωte−jk(√

3z−x)/2

2.26 A linearly polarized light wave with electric field E0 at angle θ with respect to the x-axisis incident on a polarizing filter, followed by an identical polarizer (the analyzer) whoseprimary axes are rotated by an angle φ relative to the axes of the first polarizer, as shownin Fig. 2.14.1.

Fig. 2.14.1 Polarizer–analyzer filter combination.

Assume that the amplitude attenuations through the first polarizer are a1, a2 with respectto the x- and y-directions. The polarizer transmits primarily the x-polarization, so thata2 � a1. The analyzer is rotated by an angle φ so that the same gains a1, a2 now refer tothe x′- and y′-directions.

a. Ignoring the phase retardance introduced by each polarizer, show that the polarizationvectors at the input, and after the first and second polarizers, are:

E0 = x cosθ+ y sinθ

E1 = xa1 cosθ+ ya2 sinθ

E2 = x′(a21 cosφ cosθ+ a1a2 sinφ sinθ)+y′(a2

2 cosφ sinθ− a1a2 sinφ cosθ)

where {x′, y′} are related to {x, y} as in Problem 4.7.

b. Explain the meaning and usefulness of the matrix operations:

[a1 00 a2

][cosφ sinφ

− sinφ cosφ

][a1 00 a2

][cosθsinθ

]and

[cosφ − sinφsinφ cosφ

][a1 00 a2

][cosφ sinφ

− sinφ cosφ

][a1 00 a2

][cosθsinθ

]

2.14. Problems 81

c. Show that the output light intensity is proportional to the quantity:

I =(a41 cos2 θ+ a4

2 sin2 θ)cos2φ+ a21a2

2 sin2φ++ 2a1a2(a2

1 − a22)cosφ sinφ cosθ sinθ

d. If the input light were unpolarized, that is, incoherent, show that the average of theintensity of part (c) over all angles 0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π, will be given by the generalized Malus’slaw:

I = 1

2(a4

1 + a42)cos2φ+ a2

1a22 sin2φ

The case a2 = 0, represents the usual Malus’ law.

2.27 First, prove the equivalence of the three relationships given in Eq. (2.12.11). Then, prove thefollowing identity between the angles θ,θ′:

(1− β cosθ)(1+ β cosθ′)= (1+ β cosθ)(1− β cosθ′)= 1− β2

Using this identity, prove the alternative Doppler formulas (2.12.12).

2.28 In proving the relativistic Doppler formula (2.12.14), it was assumed that the plane wavewas propagating in the z-direction in all three reference frames S, Sa, Sb. If in the frame Sthe wave is propagating along the θ-direction shown in Fig. 2.12.2, show that the Dopplerformula may be written in the following equivalent forms:

fb = fa γb(1− βb cosθ)γa(1− βa cosθ)

= faγ(1− β cosθa)= faγ(1+ β cosθb)

= fa√

1− β cosθa1+ β cosθb

where

βa = vac, βb = vb

c, β = v

c, γa = 1√

1− β2a

, γb = 1√1− β2

b

, γ = 1√1− β2

and v is the relative velocity of the observer and source given by Eq. (2.12.7), and θa, θbare the propagation directions in the frames Sa, Sb. Moreover, show the following relationsamong these angles:

cosθa = cosθ− βa1− βa cosθ

, cosθb = cosθ− βb1− βb cosθ

, cosθb = cosθa − β1− β cosθa

2.29 Ground-penetrating radar operating at 900 MHz is used to detect underground objects, asshown in the figure below for a buried pipe. Assume that the earth has conductivity σ =10−3 S/m, permittivity ε = 9ε0, and permeability μ = μ0. You may use the “weakly lossydielectric” approximation.

a. Determine the numerical value of the wavenumber k = β − jα in meters−1, and thepenetration depth δ = 1/α in meters.

b. Determine the value of the complex refractive index nc = nr − jni of the ground at900 MHz.


c. With reference to the above figure, explain why the electric field returning back to theradar antenna after getting reflected by the buried pipe is given by

∣∣∣∣Eret

E0

∣∣∣∣2

= exp

[−4√h2 + d2

δ

]

where E0 is the transmitted signal, d is the depth of the pipe, and h is the horizontaldisplacement of the antenna from the pipe. You may ignore the angular response ofthe radar antenna and assume it emits isotropically in all directions into the ground.

d. The depth d may be determined by measuring the roundtrip time t(h) of the trans-mitted signal at successive horizontal distances h. Show that t(h) is given by:

t(h)= 2nrc0

√d2 + h2

where nr is the real part of the complex refractive index nc.

e. Suppose t(h) is measured over the range −2 ≤ h ≤ 2 meters over the pipe and itsminimum recorded value is tmin = 0.2 μsec. What is the depth d in meters?

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